In Vinho Verde, a diverse array of wines flourishes, from Alvarinho and Loureiro to Avesso and Alvarelhão. Here, Sarah Ahmed shares her personal selections of top wines from this unique region.
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Vinho Verde: Another green world
ALVARINHO
Soalheiro Revirado 2021 VR Minho (11% ABV)
Set at an elevation of 400m (1,300ft), this Melgaço Alvarinho showcases a flinty character shaped by its relatively turbid juice, aligning with the Burgundian style. The wine’s Minho VR classification is also influenced by these factors. It undergoes fermentation in a rotating barrel to reduce any potential reduction impact, resulting in a wine that is both restrained and lively. It features a striking profile marked by a combination of firm salinity alongside notes of nectarine and white peach, accented by savory lees. The mouthfeel is outstanding, offering complexity, freshness, and a lasting finish, complemented by subtle hints of fennel, a green-tomato crunch, and emerging spice from stem ginger. 2024–40+. 96+
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Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única 2016 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 12.5% ABV)
Fermented and matured in new 400l French oak barrels for a duration of 9 months, featuring bâtonnage on gross lees, this single-plot Monção Alvarinho presents a tightly wound profile. It offers notes of mandarin and lime blossom, a hint of nougat oak, savory lees, and a notable salinity complementing the luscious white peach and al dente apricot. The wine achieves a beautiful balance exhibiting wonderful clarity and length. Ready for enjoyment from 2024 to 2034. 96
Quinta da Pedra Milagres Purple Edition Alvarinho 2016 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 14% ABV) The extended bottle aging imparts a silky, almost languid quality to this Monção Alvarinho, characterized by a medley of white orchard fruit and subtle notes of stem ginger. The skillful use of lees not only maintains freshness but also adds a gentle savoriness. Matured in aged French oak barrels that have undergone malolactic fermentation, with bâtonnage applied for 6 months. Ideal drinking window from 2024 to 2030+. 95+
Anselmo Mendes Curtimenta 2021 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 12.5% ABV)
This significant Monção Alvarinho is fermented on skins and matured with bâtonnage for nine months in used 400l French oak barrels. The wine has a bold character, melding pithy elements with the crisp, subtly bitter stone fruit accented by green tomato and dried herbs. Its structure is beautifully defined, with well-integrated oak contributing to a youthfully deliberate experience. Best enjoyed from 2024 to 2034+. 95+
Constantino Ramos Afluente 2022 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 12.5% ABV)
This wine hails from a vineyard in Melgaço, located at an elevation of 200m (650ft). It exhibits a restrained profile, characterized by tightly wound al dente apricot notes, alongside hints of struck match, saline qualities, and whetstone minerality. A creamy texture from lees combines with vibrant, mouthwatering acidity, creating an intriguing experience. The wine undergoes natural fermentation and is aged for several months in seasoned 400l French oak barrels, resting on gross lees. Best enjoyed between 2024 and 2031+. 95
Pequenos Rebentos Viagem ao Principio do Mundo Alvarinho 2020 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 13% ABV)
This limited-edition Alvarinho, with just 1,000 bottles produced, is foot-trodden and fermented on the skins for one month. It then matures in a Sherry barrel under flor for 18 months. The resulting yellow/gold, bone-dry wine offers a Jura-like interplay of aldehyde and smoky toast on both the nose and palate, complemented by stone fruit and floral notes. Crisp, fresh-cut green apple acidity introduces tension and vibrancy, while delightful underlying minerality rounds out the experience. This wine benefits from some time and air to truly shine, suitable for consumption from 2024 to 2034+. 94+
Quinta de Santiago & Nuno Mira do Ó Sou 2021 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 13.2% ABV)
Nuno Mira do Ó describes this early-picked Monção Alvarinho as having “crazy acidity” and a touch of reduction due to the poorer soils. The wine is a blend of 60:40 that has been fermented on fine lees in stainless steel and 400l French oak barrels, the latter undergoing malolactic fermentation. It offers a poised and precise profile with a vibrant minerality reminiscent of oyster shells, beautifully complementing the white peach and grapefruit flavors. The wine is finely honed, classy, and complete, with a drinking window from 2024 to 2032+. 94
Luis Seabra Granito Cru 2016 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 12.5% ABV)
This Monção Alvarinho presents a tangy and zesty character, featuring just-ripe nectarine on the attack alongside notable salinity. The silky texture of white peach transitions into tertiary notes, showcasing hints of dried fruit and honey. The slinky lees and a pithy touch of grapefruit enhance its mouthfeel, while the persistent acidity keeps the wine lively and fresh. It’s recommended to enjoy this from 2024 to 2031+. 94
Quinta de Regueiro Maturado em Barricas 2019 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 13% ABV)
The elevated terraces of Melgaço are known for producing Paulo Rodrigues’ exceptional Alvarinhos. This wine is concentrated and well-structured, showcasing a vibrant and youthful profile filled with stone fruit. After maturing for 18 months in used 700l French oak barrels, it exhibits a harmonious integration of wood flavors. Ideal for enjoyment from 2024 to 2034+. 94
Quinta do Louridal Poema Reserva 2015 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 12.9% ABV)
This pale yellow wine with green hues is a distinctive, youthful single-estate Melgaço Alvarinho, having spent 24 months on fine lees in large vats of 1,500l/3,000l. It reveals a complex profile with a touch of petrichor and a citrus-driven palate featuring ripe lemon and nearly ripe pineapple. The impressive acidity and well-integrated lees contribute to its lovely structure and length, making it enjoyable from 2024 to 2029. 93+
Casa do Capitão-Mor Alvarinho Sobre Lias 2020 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 12.6% ABV)
This impressive Monção Alvarinho thrives in pebbly granitic and calcareous soils. Fragrant notes of lily, chamomile, hay, stem ginger, and fennel intertwine with ripe, waxy stone fruits. A portion of this wine was aged in barrel, undergoing malolactic fermentation, while another portion was fermented on skins and aged in well-used French oak, with the remaining portion aged in stainless steel. All three parts rested for 31 months on fine lees, contributing to a creamy and harmonious palate. The finish is long and graceful, with hints of sourdough and salinity. Best enjoyed from 2024 to 2032+. 93+
Vale Dos Ares Vinha da Coutada 2020 DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço; 13.5% ABV)
Positioned at an elevation of 250m (820ft), this Alvarinho from a 30-year-old parcel facing northwest on poor granite soils is both concentrated and well-balanced, showcasing firm acidity along with a hint of bitterness alongside pink grapefruit and slightly under-ripe pineapple flavors. Both oak aging (in 228l French oak barriques) and higher alcohol content do not impede the wine’s fruit clarity or minerality. Ideal for consumption from 2024 to 2030+. 93
LOUREIRO
Paço de Palmeria Royal Palmeira Loureiro 2009 VR Minho (Cávado; 12% ABV)
This wine displays a bright yellow hue with green reflections and features an inviting nose and palate characterized by toasty notes alongside lemon curd, caraway, and hints of curry leaf. You’ll also find the creamy essence of white asparagus, along with tufa and sourdough. The wine was fermented and aged in barrels for 12 months on the lees in well-seasoned French oak, where a portion underwent malolactic fermentation and experienced bâtonnage. This single-estate Loureiro is a remarkable example of freshness and texture, showcasing its beauty with age. Best enjoyed from 2024 to 2027 and beyond. 95+
Paço de Palmeira Royal Palmeira Eminência Loureiro 2015 Vinho Branco Portugal (Cávado; 14% ABV)
The estate’s finest Loureiro showcases a remarkable structure of acidity along with intriguing phenolic character, seamlessly balancing the alcohol. It features a distinct whetstone minerality, complemented by a creamy yet vibrant palate that feels almost transparent. Flavor notes include ginger-inflected pear, the zest of pink grapefruit peel and pith, along with a “spicy” hint of green-tomato plant and a lift of rose petals. Enjoyable now through 2030 and beyond. 95+
Aphros Daphne 2021 Vinho Verde DOC (Lima; 10.5% ABV)
Harvested from Vasco’s Croft’s original estate, positioned the furthest inland and characterized by shallow, low-nutrient colluvial soils. After 14 hours of skin contact, it underwent fermentation in chestnut barrels and concrete “eggs,” then rested on its lees. Early harvesting resulted in exceptional persistence and energy; it presents a long, precise profile with notes of lime blossom and crystalline minerality, delivering mouthwatering acidity alongside intense lime and quince fruit, accented by a touch of cumin and Moroccan spices leading to an expressive finish. The 2011 vintage remains in excellent condition. Enjoyable from 2024 to 2034 and beyond. 95
Pequenos Rebentos Loureiro Vinhas Velhas 2022 Vinho Verde DOC (12.5% ABV)
Crafted from grapes grown in a vineyard that dates back to 1989, situated between Ponte de Lima and Braga, this limited-edition wine, with only 2,000 bottles produced, underwent an 8-hour maceration followed by a natural fermentation process that lasted for 45 days without temperature control. It was aged for 9 months on its lees in seasoned barrels, incorporating bâtonnage. Initially, the oak introduces a smoky nuance that somewhat overpowers the wine’s inherent pebbly minerality, crushed cement, and floral notes. With a dry and intense character, it is well-structured and requires time to develop further in the bottle. Optimal drinking window: 2025–32+. Score: 93+
Quinta do Ameal Solo Único Loureiro 2022 Vinho Verde DOC (Lima; 11.5% ABV)
This wine is fermented and aged in concrete to highlight the terroir’s unique qualities, presenting a hint of bay leaf alongside a vibrant, lemony, mineral-driven palate. It showcases an energetic profile, characterized by a sharp acidity and a subtle chalky and leesy texture, encapsulating Ameal’s hallmark clarity and intent. Optimal drinking window: 2024–32+. Score: 93
AVESSO
Quinta da Lixa Private Collection Colinas do Avesso 2016 DOC Vinho Verde (Amarante; 11.5% ABV)
After spending five years on its lees, this ambitious single-parcel Avesso showcases a blend of complexity and exquisite texture, all while maintaining a lightness. Wrapped gently in layers of honey, nougat, petrol, quinine, and the scent of a used candle, the fruit offers delicate notes of waxy pear, firm quince, succulent star fruit, and lime, all expertly moderated. Best enjoyed between 2024 and 2029+, it has garnered a rating of 95.
Covela Avesso Reserva 2022 DOC Vinho Verde (13% ABV)
This refined Avesso is made from certified organic grapes, featuring appealing hints of bitter almonds and pear skins that complement the soft, poached pear flavor, alongside fresh ginger and tarragon notes. Exceptionally balanced, it possesses a subtle undercurrent of lasting acidity and is naturally fermented, then aged on its lees in used 300l French and Austrian oak casks, benefiting from occasional bâtonnage for several months. Ideal for enjoying from 2024 to 2030, it has earned a rating of 94.
A & D Wines Quinta de Sta Teresa Avesso 2019 DOC Vinho Verde (Baião; 13% ABV)
Originating from certified organic vineyards situated at an elevation of 180–400m (600–1,300ft), this elegant Avesso radiates a certain restraint complemented by a fine line of white peach fruit, accented by greengage juiciness, salinity, and a whisper of smokiness. The fresh acidity is expertly balanced with the creamy texture from the lees. This wine is naturally fermented and aged in barrels for 12 months on its lees, with bâtonnage; it is then bottled unfiltered. Best savored between 2024 and 2029, it has received a rating of 93+.
WHITE BLENDS
Carlos Raposo Vinhos Imperfeitos 2018 DOC Vinho Verde (12% ABV)
This exceptional blend of Avesso, Arinto, and Loureiro, crafted without oak, showcases a restrained character, revealing hints of green tea on the nose. It captivates with elegance and pithiness, featuring silky notes of white peach, a robust salinity, wet-cement minerality, and a harmonious lemony acidity. The wine boasts remarkable mouthfeel, precision, and finesse. It was naturally fermented and spent time aging on the lees in stainless-steel tanks. Suitable for enjoyment from 2024 to 2032 and beyond. 96
Quinta de San Joanne Herança 2019 DOC Vinho Verde (Amarante; 13% ABV)
This wine primarily showcases Avesso blended with Malvasia Fina, which contributes a rich body and a silky, creamy texture reminiscent of oyster milk. The wine presents complex oxidative characteristics with hints of acacia honey, apricot kernel, and Brazil nut, balanced by sharp acidity that leads to a long, refreshing finish. Best enjoyed from 2024 to 2030+. 94
Quinta de San Joanne Grande Reserva Brut Nature 2011 Vinho Verde DOC (Amarante; 12.5% ABV)
This bubbly blend of Avesso and Arinto first matured for four years on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks, followed by an additional six years aging in the bottle on its lees. It displays a yellow-gold hue with an appealing bright edge, presenting a complex array of flavors dominated by bruised apple, ozone, and delicate savory notes of nutty cheese rind. A burst of vibrant acidity adds remarkable freshness and energy, creating a linear and intense experience. Enjoyable from 2024 to 2030+. 94
Sem Igual 2016 Vinho Verde DOC (Sousa; 13% ABV)
Located 40km (25 miles) inland on well-exposed, south-facing slopes, this skilled blend of 70% Arinto and 30% Azal is both accomplished and highly consistent. It offers a delightful mouthfeel and balance, featuring notes of ripe lemon, subtle hints of lemon verbena, tertiary toast (it is unoaked), and creamy white asparagus. The dancing acidity enhances the refined palate. Enjoy now through 2024–28+. 93+
Quinta de Azevedo Torre Grande Escolha 2022 VR Minho (13.5% ABV)
This newly crafted flaghship blend of 70/30 Alvarinho/Loureiro comes from Sogrape’s revamped Cávado estate, having spent eight months in 500l French oak along with 1,200l and 2,000l casks with weekly bâtonnage. The palate is seductively creamy, featuring honeysuckle, honeyed peach, and dried stone fruits, complemented by subtle oak-spice. The acidity from Loureiro ensures a beautiful persistence. Best enjoyed from 2024–30+. 93+
RED
Aphros Ouranus 2020 Vinho Verde DOC (Lima; 11.5% ABV)
This pale-garnet, unoaked, unfiltered Alvarelhão, which was fermented with 25% whole bunches, had one month’s skin contact. It shines with vibrant acidity, notes of red-berry fruit, and fine, pithy tannins, complemented by hints of incense, spices, and forest-floor nuances. This biodynamic red is ideal for Pinot Noir enthusiasts looking for a refreshing yet serious light red. Suitable for enjoyment from 2024 to 2029. 93