Showing posts with label Grape Varieties. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grape Varieties. Show all posts

"Portuguese wine is one of a kind"

The Financial Times journalist has claimed the Portuguese wines as one of a kind. But (and there is always a “but” in great stories) they have to be more aware of their target markets in order to be more competitive.
Jancis Robinson says Portuguese wine is unique
Credits
The journalist Jancis Robinson attended the international wine fair in Celorico da Beira, Portugal, where she opted not say her favourite Portuguese wine region, but she had a strong point to make about the quality and diversity of Portuguese wines.
One of the most influential wine critics of the world told that our wines are “very unique and interesting flavour one which you can’t find anywhere else in the world”. During the fair, the Financial Times journalist took the time to pay compliments to producers for resisting temptation to use foreign grape varieties and for accomplishing the perfect balance of oak flavour.
Although Jancis believes that the quality of Portuguese wines are improving by the hour, Portuguese producers have a huge need to understand their target markets. They need to have a competitive strategies, they need to know their strengths and their weaknesses in relation to other wines in the market.
She went on to say that the Portuguese wines can’t just been “thrown” into the markets, instead the producers need to choose carefully the product they want to put out there considering each market uniqueness’s. “They need to see the product from the point view of the consumer” said the reporter.
Also, the producers need to know about the products out there they are competing against. “They can't be always drinking their wine otherwise they will have no knowledge of their opponent”. Jancis encouraged Portuguese producers to drink each other wines and to make constructive critics.

Vinho Verde ― Get to know the white grape varieties

Today we provide some insight into some of the main Portuguese white grape varieties, this time within the Vinho Verde wine region.
Most white Vinho Verde is highly appreciated for its freshness, acidity and aromatic grapes. The variety of grapes used will however determine the typical features of each wine. These can diverge in the levels of acidity, alcohol, intensity and aromatic flavours. There are nine Vinho Verde sub-regions: Monção, Melgaço, Lima, Basto, Cávado, Ave, Amarante, Baião, Sousa and Paiva, as you can see bellow.

Vinho Verde wine region
credits

Recommended grape varieties for white wines



Alvarinho
Found in the Northern of Portugal, sub-region of Melgaço and Monção, where the climate is warmer and drier.

It is one of the finest grapes used for Vinho Verde. Alvarinho grape results in a fine, mineral and subtly fragrant wine, sometimes with a light prickle of fizz, citrine colour and a touch of sweetness.



Loureiro
Typical from the North of Portugal, prevalent in the whole region, resembles laurel flowers and orange blossom. Widely used for the production of Vinho Verde combined with other grapes such as Alvarinho and Loureiro, or on its own.

Arinto (Perdeña)
Characterised by its acidity, this grape produces great refreshing wines, often with flavours of apple, lime and lemon. Sometimes it is added to other white wines with lower acidity to boost blends. Arinto grape is predominant throughout the region, especially in the interior zones. It is also used to produce sparkling wines.


Trajadura
Used to make wines with higher alcoholic levels and less acidity than other Vinho Verde grapes. Trajadura offers then something unique in contrast with the remaining Vinho Verde grapes. In fact, it is often blended with these grapes, adding alcohol strength.

It is a aromatic variety, with subtle flavours of peach, apricot, apple, ripe pear and a touch of orange blossom, grown throughout the region.



Avesso
Planted near the sub-regions of Douro, especially Baião sub region, Avesso grapes find in these drier soils the ideal conditions for growing. The grape produces creamy and mineral wines.



Azal BrancoMainly found in the interior sub-regions of the Vinho Verde region: Amarante, Basto, Baião and Sousa. Azal Branco results in delicate wines, soft and fruity, with light acidity. It is often blended with more aromatic grapes.


Vinho Verde white grapes
credits
Now that you know the main white grape varieties and the difference between them, explore our great Vinho Verde offers according with your own tastes.



Watch out for upcoming hot topics on The Portuguese Wine.