LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

Advertising Feature

The wine region we call Vinho Verde is a little di erent frommost people’s idea of Portugal. Up in the northwest of the country, it’s a green and fertile landscape where temperatures stay pleasantly mild. Rivers rush westwards out of the mountains, racing towards the Atlantic. In return, the ocean sends cool breezes back up the valleys, and winter and springtime bring plenty of rain. Vines have been cultivated here since ancient Roman times and our crisp, fresh white wines are famous the world over. But, much as we love them, those bright, ethereal wines are just part of the story of Vinho Verde. With its nine sub-regions, innumerable micro-climates and multiplicity of terroirs and grape varieties, this is a land of delicious diversity. The new generation of wine producers has seen the possibilities and seized them. Bringing their technical expertise – and tender loving care – to the vineyards and wineries, these young growers and winemakers have invigorated proud old traditions with a dynamic energy. The results are spectacular: complex wines of great elegance and charmwaiting to be discovered. Most revelatory of all are the single-varietal whites from grapes such as the beguilingly aromatic Loureiro and local superstar Alvarinho, with its apricot and tropical fruit notes and an intriguing extra dimension of minerality. These are amazingly sophisticated white wines capable of aging beautifully, and they have all the character they need to pair alongside substantial dishes such as lobster gratin, veal chops or quail baked with barley risotto. The wines of Vinho Verde are unique – and they are of premium quality, made to be enjoyed year round and on every occasion from grand gastronomical dinners to a simple social gathering. Explore the full diversity of styles! As with any good voyage of discovery, there are treasures to be found.

Discover the wines of

VINHO VERDE