Green Wine, unique in the world, is an excellent reason to discover the region.
Its name may be linked to the predominant colour of the region in which it is produced or to its peculiar acidity, as if the grapes were picked green.
The vineyards, which are mainly concentrated along the rivers, are influenced by the Atlantic and, in their search for the sun, the vines intertwine with the trees, climb trellises and border fields punctuated by typical granaries.
The Alto Minho’s long tradition of winemaking and its appetite for producing quality vinho verde is taking on an increasingly significant share of national production, with particular emphasis on:
- The Alvarinho grape variety, considered the ambassador of the Iberian Peninsula’s indigenous grape varieties and with a centuries-old and charismatic tradition in the territory of Monção and Melgaço. Protected by crags and mountains, this sub-region has unique characteristics, associated with the accumulated experience and knowledge of the people of this land, for the cultivation and maturation of this unique and genuine grape.
- The Loureiro grape variety, which is particularly popular in the Lima Valley, has gained equal notoriety in Alto Minho and is considered by national and foreign critics to be one of the best grape varieties with the greatest potential for producing top quality whites.
- The Vinhão grape variety, from the Minho region, is the most widely grown red grape variety in the Alto Minho region. In recent times, the quality of green Vinhão has been recognised for the progress it has made in significantly reducing the acidity in the wine, and it has been identified as the ideal partner for some indigenous food references.
Alto Minho is part of the Vinho Verde Route and the Alvarinho Route. These routes are a way of getting to know this region in the north-west of Portugal through wine and its culture. Farms, wineries, restaurants, accommodation units and tourist entertainment companies have come together to offer multiple activities and itineraries that make a stay in this region a unique and memorable experience, in a wine destination par excellence.
Source: altominho.pt