Melgaco is the northernmost region of Portugal, and it is home to some of the country's most "serious" Vinho Verdes. The region is protected by the surrounding mountains, allowing for a symbiotic relationship between rainfall, temperature, and sunshine to get perfectly ripened grapes.
The terraced vineyards of Melgaco, in Northern Portugal.
It is here that grower and producer Paulo Rodrigues planted his first vines in 1988. He started with just 0.3 hectares, and today, he farms roughly 15 hectares on steep, terraced sites, as you can see above.
2024 Foral do Vale Vinho Verde -- Why Should You Buy It?
- This is estate-grown and estate-bottled Vinho Verde. That is not how most Vinho Verdes sold in the US are created -- most are made with fruit purchased on the bulk market, and they pale in comparison to this one.
- 50% Arinto, 20% Louriero, 20% Trajadura, and 10% Alvarinho, Rodrigues uses all 4 of they key native white varieties of Northern Portugal. He ferments in tank, and ages the wine on the lies to create this richer and creamier Vinho Verde.
- Rated 89 points by Decanter, it offers "delicate floral notes over a juicy layer of white and yellow orchard fruit." They also said "there's a soft unctuosity that makes this perfect both as a enjoyable aperitif or companion to seafood and poultry."
- It has just the tiniest hint of petillance, aka spritz or subtle sparkle, and that adds to the appeal of this fresh and fun Portuguese white.
I must stress to you that this is a much more ample and textured Vinho Verde, and the price is right on this one. Enjoy it as an aperitif or serve with seafood or poultry or both a the same time, as this would be a fantastic paella wine!
