2022 Quinta do Ameal Solo Unico

When you visit Quinta do Ameal you imagine yourself in another world. The centuries-old winery is located in the green north of Portugal on the river Lima, surrounded by conifers, walnut trees and citrus trees. The nearby Atlantic Ocean leaves its mark on the climate: an average temperature of about 15 degrees and abundant rainfall ensure a cool, wet climate in which only certain native grape varieties feel at home.

Such as the Loureiro, the grape in which Quinta do Ameal has specialized. In this special climate, on a subsoil of deep, fertile granite soils, it produces mineral wines with nice acids and a great aging potential. In order to bring out the character of the grape and the area as much as possible, the winery works according to organic guidelines. The grape and its terroir lead to elegant, fresh wines with little alcohol and a lot of fruit expression that can also ripen excellently. In this sense, the wines can be compared to Riesling of level from the Moselle or Rheingau and fits perfectly in the trend towards complex elegant ones which remain relatively low in alcohol.

Quinta do Ameal is located in an 18th century parish. At that time wine was already made here by the monks. The cellars have since been modernized and parts of the building have been converted into luxurious guest accommodations. The house owns 30 hectares of land, of which 14 hectares are planted with the loureiro grape. The remaining 16 hectares consist of beautifully landscaped gardens, forests and verdant riverbanks. Since 2019, the winery has been owned by the famous Esporão. Despite the fame and size of this winery, the authentic character and small scale of Quinta do Ameal are cherished. The house belongs to the top of the Vinho Verde. The wines are served in the best restaurants in the world and are regularly awarded prizes at leading international wine competitions.

Vinho Verde, often referred to as the "green wine" region, is located in the northwest of Portugal. It's one of the country's most distinctive and largest wine regions. Vinho Verde is situated in the Minho region, close to the border with Spain, and it extends along the coast. The region encompasses the northwest corner of Portugal.

More information about Vinho Verde

The climate is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, leading to cool and rainy conditions. These conditions are particularly favorable for the production of fresh, aromatic wines. Vinho Verde wines are typically known for their youthfulness and freshness. They are often released just a few months after the harvest and are enjoyed for their lively acidity, light effervescence, and citrusy or green apple notes.

The Minho River Valley, in particular, is known for producing high-quality Alvarinho wines, which are often considered some of the best expressions of Vinho Verde.

Monção e Melgaço, located in the far north, is renowned for its Alvarinho wines. Alvarinho is a high-quality white grape variety that produces aromatic and flavorful wines with good aging potential.

Vinho Verde is often associated with casual, easy-drinking wines that are perfect for warm weather and outdoor settings. The slight effervescence in many Vinho Verde wines adds to their refreshing character. The wineregion has evolved beyond its traditional image, and today, many producers are focusing on higher-quality wines that showcase the potential of the region's unique grape varieties and terroir. The region's commitment to sustainability and innovation is contributing to its continued success in the global wine market.

What grapes are used in Vinho Verde?

Vinho Verde is primarily known for its white wines, which are often blends of indigenous grape varieties. The most common white grape varieties used in Vinho Verde include:

Alvarinho: Also known as Albariño in Spain, Alvarinho is highly regarded for producing aromatic and high-quality white wines. It is often associated with the subregion of Monção e Melgaço.

Loureiro: Loureiro contributes floral and aromatic characteristics to Vinho Verde wines. It is valued for adding elegance and fragrance to the blends.

Arinto: Known for its high acidity, Arinto brings freshness and crispness to the wines. It is often used to enhance the structure of Vinho Verde blends.

Avesso: Avesso is appreciated for its full-bodied character and contributes to the complexity of Vinho Verde wines, especially in terms of mouthfeel.

Trajadura: Trajadura is another white grape variety that is part of many Vinho Verde blends. It is valued for its neutral flavor profile and ability to complement other grapes.

In addition to these main white grape varieties, there are also some red grape varieties used in the production of Vinho Verde's red and rosé wines. These can include:

Vinhão: Vinhão is a red grape variety that is often used in the production of Vinho Verde's red wines. These wines are known for their deep color and lively acidity.

Azal Tinto: Azal Tinto is another red grape variety found in Vinho Verde. It is used to produce red wines that can exhibit a range of flavors, from fruity to more structured profiles.

Padeiro: Padeiro is a red grape variety that is occasionally used in Vinho Verde wines.

It's worth noting that the precise grape varieties used can vary between producers and subregions within Vinho Verde. The region's commitment to indigenous grape varieties contributes to the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Vinho Verde wines.

What about Vinho Verde's subregions?

Vinho Verde, as a wine region, is divided into several subregions, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines produced. These subregions have distinct terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions. Here are some of the notable subregions of Vinho Verde:

Monção e Melgaço:

- Located in the far north of Vinho Verde.

- Known for its production of high-quality Alvarinho wines.

- Alvarinho wines from this subregion are often more full-bodied and have aging potential.

Ave:

- Situated in the southeastern part of Vinho Verde.

- Features a mix of microclimates, allowing for the production of a variety of wines.

- The Ave River influences the climate and provides diverse growing conditions.

Cávado:

- Located in the central part of Vinho Verde.

- Has a range of soil types, contributing to the diversity of wines.

- Known for the production of both white and red Vinho Verde wines.

Lima:

- Situated in the southern part of Vinho Verde.

- Home to some of the region's most prestigious wineries.

- Known for Loureiro and Alvarinho wines.

Basto:

- Located in the southeastern part of Vinho Verde.

- Known for its picturesque landscapes and historical landmarks.

- Produces a variety of Vinho Verde wines, both white and red.

Sousa:

- Positioned in the southwestern part of Vinho Verde.

- Features a combination of flat and hilly terrain.

- Known for the production of Vinho Verde wines with a diverse range of flavors.

These subregions reflect the diverse geography and microclimates within Vinho Verde. While Alvarinho tends to shine in the north, other subregions showcase the versatility of indigenous grape varieties like Loureiro and Arinto. The commitment to preserving the unique characteristics of each subregion contributes to the overall richness and diversity of Vinho Verde wines.

Loureiro is a white grape variety that originates from the valley of the Lima River, in the north of the Portuguese wine region of Minho, or better known to us as Vinho Verde. 'Loureiro' means laurel, because the smell of wines made from loureiro is reminiscent of laurel. The grape is blended in the Vinho Verder with, among others, alvarinho and arinto, but it is also used to make beautiful mono cépages. The bunches are elongated and relatively compact, bearing medium-sized, yellowish-greenish grapes.

What does wine from the Loureiro grape taste like?

Loureiro wine is reminiscent of laurel flowers, orange blossom, acacia and linden blossom, apples and peach fruits. Loureiro wines usually have a refreshing, well-balanced acidity.