Vinho Verde is a unique Portuguese wine that is currently going through a phase of transformation, becoming increasingly aligned with the taste of newer generations: lower alcohol and more freshness.
Alvarinho is the most famous grape associated with the region, which leads many people to believe that Vinho Verde and Alvarinho are the same thing, even though Vinho Verde allows the use of around 45 different grape varieties.
Now a question:
Do you think Portuguese Alvarinho and Spanish Albariño are the same grape?
by mlPrivateTours
9 Comments
Yes
Much like everything else, sometimes maybe good sometimes maybe shit.
There’s a small project called Penhó that’s very good, and Velvet Boutique Wines has some cool stuff too.
It was my first love, but not my best lover
Vinho verde has always been fresh and low alcohol. The transformation is more the other way around, towards more body. Soalheiro pioneered ageable vinho verde and many have followed suit (mainly Alvarinho). That being said, Alvarinho can also be used to make vinho maduro (regular, non-verde wine). Alvarinho and Albarino are the same grape, but Spain makes a different style than vinho verde.
I wouldn’t say it’s going through a transformation so much as a rediscovery. It’s a low stakes easily enjoyed wine that is yes, low in alcohol and complexity and also price which is what gives it an appeal to younger people. If you want to enjoy your wine and not be intellectual about it, or if it’s 110 degrees, it’s hard to go wrong (also it’s great for cooking).
I’m glad they haven’t gone this route but they didn’t take the marketing approach that Txakoli took. I love txakoli but it should not be 20-25 a bottle. Importers are shamelessly marking up these bottles which are selling for 2-5 euro in spain but are being marketed and sold as fine wine – the reality is 99% of txakoli is simple wine but that’s okay. It’s delicious.
Your post sounds like AI.
Very lite great summer wine. Abv isn’t high.
Ask me in July.
I love it. Rather drink that than most Other white wines.