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Wine Regions

Vinhos Verdes

The Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes is geographically the largest Portuguese demarcated region, and one of the largest in Europe.

Vinhos Verdes
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The Vinhos Verdes region impresses with its natural beauty. The green fields, where the vineyard plantation is in trellis, take us through paths where we discover the History of Portugal, through the origins and flavours of the millenary wine culture of this region.
Information
It is located in the northernmost part of the country, and it is bounded on the north by the Minho river, extending over the Atlantic coast until Douro river and the mountain ranges of Freita, Arada, and Montemuro on the south. It is characterized by a green, wet and diversified landscape, also rich in water resources. The climate has an extreme Atlantic influence, with cool temperatures and heavy rain. The soils are homogeneous and predominantly of granite, fertile, and with high acidity, and the vineyards are centred along the valleys of the main rivers. The natural conditions of this region are perfect for the production of excellent white wines as well as sparkling wines and brandies. The designation is divided into nine sub-regions, all distinct in the typology of soils and microclimates, they are: Monção and Melgaço, Lima, Basto, Cávado, Ave, Amarante, Baião, Sousa and Paiva. In the sub-region of Monção, the single varietal Alvarinho is produced, one of the most famous wines in the country, which has a citrus colour and a fruity and floral aroma. On the coast of the region, in the sub-regions of Cávado, Ave, and Lima, the wines are predominantly white, produced from the Loureiro grape variety. These are characterized by an intense floral aroma, for its freshness, body and a balanced structure. The Arinto, Avesso, Azal and Trajadura white grape varieties are also cultivated. Regarding the red wines, Borraçal, Brancelho, Espadeiro and Vinhão are also cultivated.
This region is mostly known for the production of white wine, although the production of red wine is also relevant. The white wines are especially aromatic, clear, and refreshing, whereas the red wines are full of colour, fresh and with an aroma of wild berries and spices. The region also produces sparkling wines, which present a surprising quality due to their natural freshness, low alcohol content and the characteristic carbon dioxide. Features which classify the Vinhos Verdes region as one of the most promising places for the production of sparkling wines in Portugal.
Wine Tourism
Wine Tourism
Over the Northwest of Portugal, comprising 49 municipalities, one can enjoy the beaches, mountains, valleys and rivers as well as a unique landscape, where the green, which gives name to the wine and the region, prevails. The region comprises cities which are a World Heritage and a valuable range of monuments, castles, churches, bridges and the typical granaries.
The top tourist attractions in the Vinhos Verdes region are: the historical cities of Braga and Guimarães, where one can visit the Cathedral, the oldest in the country, or in the "The Cradle City", visit the the Sacred Hill, crowned with the Castle of Guimarães, or the coastal city of Viana do Castelo, with all its monuments and also the traditional village of Ponte de Lima, the oldest in Portugal. In the northern part of the region, special focus on the mountain villages of Soajo and Castro Laboreiro and the wonderful landscapes of the National Park of Peneda-Gerês. In Monção, two kilometres from Spain, we can find Solar do Alvarinho manor, located in the historic centre of the village. The manor aims to promote and disclose the Alvarinho wine, providing its visitors with a tasting room, exhibitions, events and workshops. 
The traditional cuisine of this region is simple, but of high quality, with a direct relationship between the ingredients harvested in the region and the traditional dishes. The roasted lamb, the lamprey, the Minho river trouts, the salmon, the sarrabulho(dish made with a mix of chicken, pork, veal, thickened with wheat flour and well-seasoned), the pork chunks, the cabidela chicken rice and the Portuguese green broth are some of the typical specialities of this region. Add to this the ham, of pink-reddish colour, from Fiães and Castro Laboreiro, and the several delicatessens, served with Alvarinho wine, and you will have all the conditions to enjoy a perfect meal. Among the sweets, special focus on the sponge cake, the rice pudding or cavaca minhota (made with eggs, white flour and sugar covering).
  • Portugal By Wine - Wine Tourism in Portugal
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