vinho verde

In the far north of Portugal, the Minho district is famed for its Vinho Verdes, "green wines" produced from grapes that are just freshly ripe.  These lightly-ripened grapes give bright, fresh wines, often with a hint of carbonation, designed to be drunk very fresh and young.  While most Vinho Verde is white, there are red and rose Vinho Verdes produced as well.

The region’s winemaking origins date back some 2,000 years, with vines introduced by the Romans. Most of the farm plots today are owned by individual growers, most of which are so small that they work cooperatively to produce their wines.

Vines in this district are traditionally trained high and over pergolas, often with vegetable crops grown in the available land under the grape arbors.  This efficient use of farmland also helps prevent diseases associated with crop monoculture from gaining a foothold.

There are over 80 grape varieties permitted in Vinho Verde, so there is a broad range of style and quality. The best whites tend to feature Alvarinho, Loureiro and Trajadura, while the rose and red wines focus on Vinhao.

The region is fully exposed to the Atlantic’s maritime influence with warm sunny summers and mild winters, and the fertile soils and high rainfall create a landscapt of vibrant green atop deeply-decomposed granitic soils. The best sites tend to be those with good trainage and exposure to the breezes keeping the threat of mildew to a minimum.

Estria, Porguese for debut, takes its inspiration from the famed Teatro Circo in the city of Braga, the main city of the Minho region, and about 25 miles NNE of Porto.

Built in the early 1900’s of solid granite, it’s the city’s most important cultural/performance venue and a fitting symbol of Adega da Barca’s most innovative line.

Adega ponte dA barca

Founded in 1963, this coop winery’s 1,100 members boast over 2300 acres of vineyards located on granitic soils in the Lima, Vade and Vez River Valleys in the North of Portugal, bordering and Galicia. The village of Ponte da Barca is about 7 miles upstream from its better-known neighbor, Ponte de Lima, and adjacent to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a vast wildlife sanctuary that is Portugal’s only national park. It is a region of deep valleys crossed by clear water streams and a rugged terrain of enormous beauty and biodiversity. This unique and traditional landscape is marked by small vineyards and quaint villages.

The cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the granitic soils produce elegant wines with delicate aromas and freshness. The Lima is the most exposed to the Atlantic Maritime influence and produces bright, fresh whites. The Vez is a bit warmer and drier and is especially suited to Alvarinho & Trajadura. The Vade is warmer still and favors red varieties such as Vinhao.

Winemaker José Oliveira has been working in the region for more than 30 years. Born and raised in Ponte da Barca, wine was always his passion. He has a degree in Biological Engineering from the University of Minho since 1997, when he joined the staff of Adega Cooperativa de Ponte da Barca e Arcos de Valdevez. He has held various positions, from chemical analyst, laboratory manager, quality manager, and for over 15 years has been the company’s General Manager, where he has also been responsible for oenology and sales. He has been a member of the Board of Appeal of the Viticulture Commission of the Vinho Verde Region for several years.

The Wines

Estreia Vinho Verdes and specially crafted to take full advantage of the single-serving can format. Both wines are lightly effervescent, just a hair off-dry and aimed at the “casual consumer” market looking for a flavorful, refreshing drink at a great price.

The Vinho Verde Branco is a blend of mostly Loureiro, with some Arinto and Trajadura. Bright and zingy with citrus, green apple and minerality.

The Vinho Verde Rosado is mostly Vinhao with a bit of Borracal and Espadeiro. Bright and fruit-driven with whiffs of strawberry, melon and a hint of berry.