Discover Vinho Verde Wine

For Vinho Verde wine enthusiasts — there’s good reason to drink it. These wines are youthful, flavor packed, and typically quite cheap. Vinho Verde is arguably the most popular white wine in Portugal, but its popularity is also exploding in the United States. It can be made in a Rosé or red wine style as well. Note that Vinho Verde isn’t just a style of wine from Portugal, it’s also a wine making region!

Translated from Portugeuse directly — Vinho Verde means green wine. In actuality, it stands for young wine. Most Vinho Verde wines are crafted with the intent to be consumed within one year after being bottled. They are, in my opinion, one of the most ideal wines you can drink during the summer months.

Regardless of what wine making style is employed, they are refreshing, crisp, light and can pack a subtle amount of effervescence (even the reds!). Because the amount of CO₂pressure utilized is so minimal, resulting from malolactic fermentation, Vinho Verde wines are not considered sparkling wines. Though the carbon dioxide content has become a trademark quality that consumers look for in Vinho Verde wine.  They are also not intensely alcoholic, and typically contain no more than 11% ABV.

1. Vinho Verde Rosé

• Vinho Verde wine crafted in a Rose style tend to have a predominantly cherry hue to them. They can be both dry or off-dry, with very fruit forward aromas and will most often be crafted from Padeiro and or Espadeiro grapes.  Expect big hints of cherry, strawberry and goji berries

2. Vinho Verde White Wine

• My favorite style of Vinho Verde — these white wines are incredibly refreshing with crisp acidity. They are made from local grape varieties which include Arinto, Azal, Avesso, Loureiro and Trajadura. The best styles have just the right amount of bubbles, backed by big notes of tree and tropical fruit. Look for Vinho Verde white wines that emit notes of pear, melon, lime and cool mineral notes.

3. Vinho Verde Red Wine

• Vinho Verde reds tend experience a bit of neglect. These reds are usually made to be single varietal wines, or blends of Amaral, Borraçal and Vinhão. Because of the terroir, and the grape varieties themselves, expect a big depth of flavor over rich, grippy tannic content.