Vinho Verde: Wines Full of Atlantic Freshness

In the Middle Ages, Vinho Verde wines were increasingly exported, especially to England, Flanders, and Germany, making them one of Portugal’s first export wines. The region’s geographical boundaries were first defined in 1908 by a decree that laid the foundation for today’s protected designation of origin.

Crises in Vinho Verde

As with many European wine regions, the Vinho Verde area was also affected by the phylloxera epidemic (Phylloxera vastatrix) in the 19th century. This pest, which was introduced from North America, destroyed large portions of Europe's vineyards within a few years. In Portugal, this led to significant losses, forcing winemakers to graft their vines onto resistant American rootstocks. This crisis marked a turning point in the region's viticulture, as it was accompanied by a shift toward more robust grape varieties.

Both World Wars also had profound impacts on wine production in Vinho Verde. During World War I, exports declined due to trade blockades. In World War II, the region suffered from shortages of materials and limited access to international markets.

During the dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar (1932–1974), agriculture in Portugal was heavily centralized and regulated. This caused many small winemakers to face economic difficulties. However, in 1926, the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV) was established, an institution to promote and regulate wine production in the region. This organization played a key role in ensuring quality control and marketing Vinho Verde.

Vinho Verde: Good to know

Modern developments

In recent decades, Vinho Verde has evolved from a rustic farmer's wine to a high-quality product. Modern cultivation methods have replaced traditional systems such as the pergola. The region now produces around 100 million litres of wine annually, with over 80% of it being white wine. Varieties like Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Trajadura have become key representatives.

The style of Vinho Verde has also changed: While wines with natural carbonation were preferred in the past, today the market is dominated by elegant still wines with fine fruit and finesse. Sparkling wines and rosé wines are also gaining increasing importance. However, red wines from Vinho Verde remain a niche product on the international wine market.

Vinho Verde: Geography, Climate, and Soils

The Vinho Verde wine region is located in the northwestern part of Portugal, stretching between the Minho and Douro rivers. It borders Spain to the north and is influenced by the Atlantic coast. The proximity to the coast brings cool breezes that regularly refresh the vineyards, preserving the vibrant acidity and freshness of the wines. The region experiences high rainfall, especially in the winter and spring, which benefits viticulture. Summers are mild and humid, while winters also feature mild temperatures.

The soils in Vinho Verde are diverse: Granite-rich soils dominate the north, particularly in the subregions of Monção and Melgaço, imparting a pronounced minerality and structure to the wines. Clay and slate soils are widespread in the south, contributing to a richer fruitiness in the wines. The hilly landscape creates microclimates that produce different wine styles.

Vinho Verde Subregions
Vinho Verde is divided into nine subregions, each with its own climatic and geological characteristics:

• Monção e Melgaço

• Lima

• Basto

• Cávado

• Ave

• Amarante

• Baião

• Sousa

• Paiva

Vinho Verde: Wines in detail

Vinho-Verde: Overview of wine styles

It is primarily the fresh and acid-driven white wines that have made Vinho Verde so well-known far beyond Portugal's borders. However, the Atlantic wine-growing region offers a much broader range of wine styles. For us, this is a good reason to take a closer look.

White Wines: Fresh, Fruity, and Versatile
The white wines of Vinho Verde are the heart of the region, characterized by their lively freshness and aromatic diversity. They typically have an alcohol content of 8.5 to 11.5 vol. % and a light carbonation that gives them a sparkling character. The key grape varieties are:

• Alvarinho: This variety produces elegant wines with aromas of grapefruit, floral notes, and a mineral finish. It is especially prevalent in the subregion of Monção e Melgaço.

• Loureiro: With floral and citrus fruit aromas and a lively acidity, Loureiro is one of the most widely grown varieties in the region.

• Trajadura: This variety adds mild acidity and fruity notes such as apple and pear to blends.

• Arinto (Pedernã): Known for its citrus notes and good aging potential, it adds structure to blends.

The white wines range from lightly sparkling versions with intense citrus and apple aromas to still wines with fine fruit and finesse. Some modern interpretations focus on single-varietal wines, while traditional Vinho Verdes are often made as blends of multiple grape varieties.

Rosé Wines: Fruity and Invigorating
Rosés from Vinho Verde are gaining increasing popularity. They are often made from the grape varieties Vinhão, Espadeiro, and Padeiro. These rosés stand out for their fruity aromas with notes of red berries like strawberries and raspberries, along with a light fizz on the palate. The style is fresh and juicy, ideal for hot summer days or as a pairing with tapas and snacks.

Red Wines: Bold and Local
The red wines of Vinho Verde are less well-known and are mostly consumed locally. They are characterized by their intense color, high tannin content, and bold structure. Varieties like Vinhão dominate, producing robust and acid-driven red wines. These wines pair well with traditional Portuguese dishes.

Your Selling Points for Vinho Verde Wines

Vinho Verde: Economic impact of wine

In recent decades, Vinho Verde has transformed from a simple farmer's wine into a high-quality premium wine. While production was once primarily intended for domestic consumption, the wine has increasingly become an important export commodity. The main importers are the USA, Germany, Poland, Brazil, and France. In 2022 alone, over 4 million litres were exported to Germany.

This international demand has contributed to the economic stability of the region, even though overall production has decreased – from once 120 million litres annually to about 100 million litres today. Exports are a central economic factor, supported by modern winemaking techniques and a new generation of ambitious winemakers.