The Loureiro grape is one of the most commonly grown grapes in the Vinho Verde region, along with the Trajadura grape, which is found to the south of Monção in the subregions of Lima, Braga, Penafiel, and Basto. Best produced along the coast in cooler regions (such as in Braga), the Loureiro grape is found in white, medium to full bodied clusters.

This small grape produces “fresh, floral, aromatic wines” from the terpenes in its skin, creating an aroma of a “bay leaf and spices”. Originally produced to blend with other grapes, the Loureiro is now being produced on its own to make a mono-varietal wine. A well-made Loureiro Vinho Verde will have a high acidity and low alcohol content, usually around 9 to 10 percent, a common trait for wines produced in the provinces south of Monção.

Prominent wines from our collection with the Loureiro grape:

Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde

Aveleda Follies Alvarinho – Loureiro

Located in the provinces of Monção and Melgaço, the Alvarinho grape stands out as one of the most sought after Vinho Verde varietal.

Grown in the northern region of the Vinho Verde, the Alvarinho grape is found in medium to full-bodied clusters, producing a wine with an 11 to 12 alcohol percentage, two to three percentage points higher than most other Vinho Verde sub-regions.

Its thick skin and low-yield has more body than most Vinho Verdes, producing an intense, fruity aroma, an “apply” taste, and little sparkle. A bottle of this wine can be expensive when considering the “rarity” and low production levels of the grape.

To taste the wine at its best, you will have to wait 18 months after the harvest. As one of the best of the “Green Wines,” the Alvarinho has spread in fame and should be considred a first choice among wines from the Vinho Verde region.

Check out Aveleda Alvarinho, which won 92 Points from Wine & Spirits.

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Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde (only $8.99) continues to garner awards and recognition for its crisp, fresh taste and amazing quality. Watch the video and find out why!

As a top Vinho Verde, it goes perfectly with seafood or past and pairs particularly well with shellfish and oysters. It is a light and slightly effervescent wine that can be served with a light dinner just as well as with lunch. Serve chilled.

The Portuguese Vinho Verde, literally translated into Green wine, is not actually green! Actually it can be red, white or rosé (being a horse and partially color-blind, I have to take the experts’ word.)

Casal Garcia is one of the best-selling Vinho Verdes in the world

The name refers to the fact that it’s consumed when the wine is young, usually within 1 year. Vinho Verdes are typically light and fresh and usually feature fruity and floral aromas as well as a lemon or straw color. With low alcohol content of 9% to 11% and natural acidity, Vinho Verde also features slight carbonation that’s enough to tickle your throat but not enough to be considered a sparkling wine.

Vinho Verdes should be served well-chilled, around 50ºF, and are typically paired well with light salads, shrimp, scallops, clams, and light fish.