It wasn't so long ago that Vinho Verde was associated with a very simple, mostly fruity and slightly sparkling white wine. So much has happened in Portugal in recent years and the developments have not stopped at the Vinho Verde growing region, which I find very pleasing. For this reason, I would like to take the opportunity today to present one of the "new" Vinho Verde representatives in my wine tip. Due to today's climate change, many white wines are much richer and stronger than they used to be. It is not uncommon for white wines to have significantly more than 13% alcohol by volume. If the producer wants to avoid this, he will harvest the grapes earlier, at a time when they have not yet built up so much sugar and the acidity is still quite pronounced. The problem with this is that it is not just about the sweetness-acidity ratio, but also about sufficient aroma. And this develops when the grape is given time to ripen. If it is harvested too early, the result is a strangely fragile "little wine". It is therefore better to know where the grapes can ripen and show a balanced relationship between sweetness, acidity and aromas, for example in new generation Vinho Verde wines.
Profile
Winemaker: Casal de Ventozela
Grape variety: 100% Loureiro
Vintage: 2014
Region: Vinho Verde
Soil: sandy granite soils
Ideal drinking temperature: 7 degrees Celsius
Awards: 5th place of the '50 Great' Portuguese wines for Germany
Price: from 7,90€ / bottle
The wine
A Vinho Verde of the "new generation" is light, fresh, pleasantly aromatic and does not have carbonic acid in the wine as it used to. It even has the vintage year on the bottle, which was also rarely the case in the past. Loureiro is a special Vinho Verde. A Vinho Verde is usually made from several white grape varieties, but this one is only made from one: the Loureiro grape. It is a very old grape variety that is at home in the north of Portugal. The name "Loureiro" means laurel tree, which also explains its floral and herbaceous aroma. It also has notes of lime blossom and fruity notes of orange and peach. Its lightness is particularly noteworthy, as at around 11% by volume it is particularly pleasant and easy to drink.
The winemaker and the region
The Casal de Ventozela winery is a family winery which, at around 30 years old, is still quite young by Portuguese standards. Today, however, it is one of the most successful and modern wineries that has set new standards for Vinho Verde. Its range hits the bull's eye. In addition to the Loureiro, it also offers a juicy Branco from the classic Vinho Verde varieties, an incredibly drinkable rosé and a decent, even hearty red.
The Vinho Verde region is located in the northwest of Portugal. The landscape is hilly to mountainous. Rainfall is abundant as the climate is strongly influenced by the Atlantic. As a result, it is not too hot and just right to bottle light and sparkling Vinho Verde.
Goes perfectly with
Salads, light fish dishes, shellfish and seafood or as an aperitif wine
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