LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2022

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LIKE NO OTHER WINES IN THE WORLD VinhoVerde:

Between the Atlantic ocean and the mountains of north western Portugal lies the huge wine region we call Vinho Verde. This is lush, green country, cooled by sea breezes in summer and refreshed with winter rain. Wine has been grown here for more than 2,000 years and our crisp, ethereal whites have earned a worldwide reputation. But look more closely. Vinho Verde is made up of a myriad shades of green. The hillsides and river valleys of our nine sub-regions cradle countless micro-climates. Our 16,000 winegrowers, many with vineyards no bigger than a garden, understand every nuance of the land. That knowledge and experience, hand in hand with the latest technology, helps them select the most suitable local grape varieties (they have 45 to choose from!), creating wines that perfectly express their terroir. Almost 90 percent of the wines of Vinho Verde are white. Some are ripe and unexpectedly intense; others are capable of ageing into a most sophisticated maturity. Many show a delectable backbone of minerality that reflects the region’s granitic soils. Not surprisingly, in a country renowned for its laid-back hospitality, these wines have an honoured place at the Portuguese table. Elegant, aromatic wines made from tangy Azal or delicate Trajadura are a famous match for seafood risotto, grilled octopus or shrimp with coriander and pepper sauce. Fruity Avesso or floral Loureiro give whites with a more intense flavour, delicious with scallops au gratin or zucchini with saffron pasta. And then there are the complex, structured delights made with Alvarinho, the local star; its aromas range from peach through quince to passion fruit – the ideal choice for lobster, veal chops or roast quail with barley risotto. The fun is finding out how beautifully they also work with other cuisines – especially rich and spicy Asian flavours. Take a closer look at the authentic, versatile wines of Vinho Verde. There’s somuch to discover.