An Invitation to Discover Vinho Verde with the #WinePW Crew

For almost a week in both June 2018 and September 2019, I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting the Vinho Verde region located in north Portugal. During each trip, I was fascinated with the region’s compelling history, wines that reflected tradition and modernity, authentic cuisine and thought-provoking cultural landmarks. I can’t wait to return to this beautiful area of the world.

Until it’s time to pack my bags, though, my wine colleague and friend, Liz Barrett of What’s in That Bottle? and I are gathering our #WinePW crew, a group of food and wine lovers who write about their latest discoveries. We’re taking a closer look into the wines from Vinho Verde. Liz and I have scheduled a lively conversation about the region on Twitter on Saturday, August 8 at 11am EST/8am PST and we’d love to have you join us. See below for how…

 

Vinho Verde

It’s true that many of the wines from Vinho Verde are affordable, low in alcohol and incredibly refreshing. But there’s so much more to discover and appreciate.

Often, consumers in the region and elsewhere refer to Vinho Verde as a group of wines. However, Vinho Verde is a wine region with nine sub-regions encompassing all of northwest Portugal. The climate is affected by mountain ranges, valleys, and rivers. A fair amount of rain occurs in the winter and spring when temperatures are cool. Soils are mostly granite, a crucial element that gives the wines of Vinho Verde their signature profile of freshness and minerality.

With about 51,000 acres of vines, 45 indigenous grape varieties, 18,000 winegrowers, 93 million liters produced per year and 100 export markets, Vinho Verde offers a range of palate-pleasing choices.

White varieties account for 86% of the production and reds and rosés are about 14% in total. Still and sparkling wines are found in the region. The most popular indigenous varieties found in Vinho Verde are white grapes Alvarinho, Arinto, Avesso, Azal, Loureiro and Trajudura. Red varieties include Espadeiro, Padeiro and Vinhão. Each offers different levels of aromatics, acidity, fresh fruit notes and body.

One of my many takeaways from my first media trip to Vinho Verde (sponsored by Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes) was that so many wines are age-worthy. Surprised? Of course! Who would consider cellaring a wine from Vinho Verde, universally known for its light, low-alcohol white wine with a touch of frizzante? Aren’t we supposed to grab a ridiculously affordable bottle from the wine shop, chill it for a few hours, and drink it that night? Yes! However, I discovered enough layers to this centuries-old region in Portugal and their wines to clear a space in my cellar for more than a few bottles. Specific varieties have the ability to age and I tasted plenty to prove it. It’s time to bust the myth that all wines from Vinho Verde should be consumed immediately.

My second work trip (sponsored by Porto and Northern Portugal Tourism Board) revealed not only the glorious wines in Vinho Verde, but its compelling cultural heritage. From magnificent cathedrals to winding streets in small villages to rivers where wine and more were transported, Portugal’s story is revealed with each sip.

What Foods Pair with Wines from Vinho Verde?

The crisp, intense, and flavorful white and red wines of Vinho Verde are delicious counterparts to an array of traditional and contemporary dishes. Sushi, grilled or marinated sardines, roasted vegetables, soups, braised pork, short ribs and bacalhau (cod in its hundreds of variations) were on almost every table during my visits. How about a plate of zucchini fritters, pasta salad, roasted potatoes with leg of lamb, charcuterie, sautéed mushrooms or steamed mussels with your favorite wine from Vinho Verde? The choices are endless!

Join the Vinho Verde Conversation on August 8

Even if you don’t have a website or blog, join our twitter conversation about Vinho Verde on Saturday, August 8 at 11am Eastern/8am Pacific and use the hashtag #WinePW.  Have you tasted the wines? Have you visited the region? Do you have some terrific food pairings to share? I’ll “see” you on Saturday.

My colleagues are already excited to share their Vinho Verde food and wine experiences. The following articles will be published on Friday, August 7 or the morning of Saturday, August 8.

Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Cam shares Foods from Around the World Paired with Pink Wines from Portugal

Liz Barret of What’s In That Bottle? is thrilled with Va Va Va Vinho Verde: the Portuguese White That Wows

Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles answers What is Vinho Verde?  5 things I didn’t know about this perfect summer wine

Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm savors Tomato Poached Cod with Vinho Verde Wine.

Linda at My Full Wine Glass realizes that Distinctively ‘laurel” Vinho Verde Delivers with Seafood and Salad

Nicole at SommsTable is loving Vinho Verde and Simple Seafood Feast

Payal at Keep the Peas is pairing Sem Igual Vinho Verde with Peixe Caldine

Gwendolyn at Wine Predator says Vinho Verde: A Green Wine That’s White from Portugal Paired with Tuna, Tomato, Basil, Orzo #WinePW

Martin at Enofylz is Pairing Maria Papoila Vinho Verde with Summer Pizza

Susannah at Avvinare explains how Vinho Verde Meets Homemade Sushi

Terri at Our Good Life savors Scallops, Smashed Peas and a Great Vinho Verde

Pinny at Chinese Food and Wine Pairing achieves A Successful Hunt Down of a Red Vinhao Escolha from Vinho Verde DOC #WinePW   

Over here at Grape Experiences, I’ve been reminiscing upon last fall’s work trip where I enjoyed A Morning Visit to Quinta da Aveleda in Vinho Verde  

Cheers! ~ Cindy

You’d like more Grape Experiences? Please click here.