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Green wine, unlike red and white, does not owe its name to the color of the drink. In fact, green wine is a young wine that is recommended to be consumed in the first year after bottling.
In Portuguese, Vinho Verde (wine verde) is named after the region of production located in the north of Portugal, between the Minho and Douro rivers. With a reference to the production technology, which was imprinted by local weather conditions.
Terroir Features
The area where green wine is produced has a special climate, unlike other areas of Spain and Portugal. The influence of air masses from the Atlantic Ocean is strongly felt here, which is expressed in a significant level of precipitation.
Their number reaches 1,5-2 thousand millimeters per year. For comparison: In St. Petersburg, considered a “rainy” city, this number is about 700 mm.
A high level of moisture leads to poor ripening of berries: under the influence of dampness, they often rot, become moldy.
In order to somehow deal with this scourge, local residents began to grow grapes on high arched gazebos. And the collection period in the region always began earlier than in other parts of Portugal. Hence the name of the area, and later – the drink produced in it.
The Vinho Verde region (Vinho Verde) received official status with clear geographical boundaries in 1908, and in 1926 a regulation was drawn up on the characteristics of the wines produced here.
Many local drinks belong to the highest category DOC (Denominacao de Origem Controlada – controlled by region and name) and less prestigious, but no less quality VR (Vinho Regional, with protected geographical origin).
By the way, the Vinho Verde wine region is the largest in Portugal (34 thousand hectares), and its products are supplied to more than 60 countries of the world.
Specificity of green wines
Grapes harvested ahead of time are characterized by high acidity and low sweetness, so local wines are light, sour, fresh, with a small degree, lively character and fragrant fruity bouquet. Such drinks are usually called mineral.
Previously, they were bottled before the end of the fermentation process, due to which “residual gassing” remained in the wines. Today, large companies recreate this feature artificially by adding carbon dioxide to the drink. And traditional winemakers try to emphasize the “true spirit” of the local wine, while maintaining its natural fizz.
Although not all Vinho Verde products have a lively and light character. Among the local samples, there are both classic dry and mature wines with a long exposure. As for the color, it can be anything from light golden to rich crimson. You can recognize the “green” products of Vinho Verde by their characteristic elegant bottles – light, light (often transparent), emphasizing the playful character of fresh young wine in the best possible way.
Famous brands
In Russia, green wines have become especially popular in the last 3–5 years. Therefore, there will be no difficulty in finding Vinho Verde products. Among the most sought-after brands with a proven track record:
Full Moon in Old Vineyards
An innovative project created by three friends to unlock the potential of the Douro region.
The most famous wine is Toucas, made from Loureiro, Trajadura and Arinto varieties.
The white semi-dry drink has an elegant aroma with mineral and citrus notes, a harmonious, fresh fruity taste with light floral tones, a delicate aftertaste and an affordable price.
The Maria Bonita wine is also highly rated.
Vercoope
A more experienced, solid company that has been producing green wines since 1964.
It unites several thousand small farms located in different parts of the region.
Produces mainly light light and pink drinks from varieties Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura, Azal Branco.
The most famous wines are: Pavao, Verdegar, Terras de Felgueiras.
Anselm Mendes
The well-known Portuguese company bears the name of the founder – a hereditary winemaker and professional oenologist, recognized as one of the best in the country.
Produces older and stronger wines aged in barrels or steel tanks, with a storage potential of 2-3 years.
With what and how to drink green wines
The quality of most green wines (with the exception of aged ones) does not improve with time, so they are not recommended for long storage. Vinho Verde products must be served chilled to 8–10 °C. This temperature will emphasize the fresh, bright, carefree character of the drink.
Fruity mineral wine is soft to drink, ideal as an aperitif on vacation, refreshing well in the heat, harmonizes with any world cuisines. The best pairs for it will be light snacks: salads, fish, seafood, white meat.
Relevance: 07.02.2020
Tags: wine and vermouth