Portugal - Vinho Verde

Question 1

Vinho verde climate?

Answer 1

Moderate maritime climate with High rainfall - 1500mm

(Same as Rias Baixas in Spain)

Question 2

Vinho Verde reputation in the east? (4)

Answer 2

Land rise

Soil becomes poorer

Climate is warmer and dryer

Wines are fuller bodied and higher in alcohol

Question 3

Soils types in Vinho Verde? (3)

Answer 3

Granite bedrock with decomposed granite with a Sandy texture as top soil

Good for drainage (high rainfall)

Low fertility

Question 4

disease Issues with grape growing in Vinho Verde?

Answer 4

Mildew and rot

(Rainfall throughout the year)

Question 5

Important techniques in trellising in Vinho Verde?

Answer 5

Training vines high from the ground to increase air circulation and reduce chance of rot

Question 6

Summer pruning techniques to enhance ripening and improve air circulation in Vinho Verde? (3)

Answer 6

Removal of lateral shoots

Leaf removal

Green harvesting

Question 7

% of production as white wines?

Answer 7

82% white

13% red

5% rose

Less white production than Rias Baixas

Question 8

Top three planted grape varieties in Vinho Verde?

Answer 8

1. Loureiro
2. Alvarinho
3. Pederna (Arinto)

Question 9

Loureiro tasting note? (2)

Answer 9

Med+ acid (grown toward the coast)
Citrus, pear, floral and herbal aromas

Question 10

Alvarinho tasting notes? (3)

Answer 10

Medium+ to high acid (grown in the warmer east and in the north on the Spanish border)

Medium body + (higher alcohol)

Citrus, peach and sometimes tropical flavours

Question 11

Alvarinho budding/ripening?

Answer 11

Mid budding

Early to mid ripening

Same as Arneis and Cortese

Question 12

Paderna tasting notes? (2)

Answer 12

High acid

Subtle citrus and apple fruit characters

Question 13

Avesso and Trajadura acid and body levels? (3)

Answer 13

Low acid

Fuller bodied

Good for moderating blends and adding body

Question 14

Red grape of Vinho Verde?

Answer 14

Sousao

Same grape (Souson) in Rias Baixas

Question 15

Unique winemaking addition when Vinho Verde is being bottled?

Answer 15

Addition of carbon dioxide to give a light spritz

Usually done by co-ops

Question 16

Higher priced wines from Vinho Verde:
(4)

Answer 16

Ambient yeast
Old oak fermentation/maturation
Few months on lees
Can be single varietal or single sub region

Question 17

Alcohol levels for sub region named Vinho Verde wines?

Answer 17

Min alc 9% instead of the normal 8% for Vinho Verde DO wines

Question 18

Moncao e Melcago sub regions appellation rules? (3)

Answer 18

1. Lower max yields
2. Min alc of 11.5%
3. Only Moncao e Melcago can varietal label Alvarinho

Question 19

Vinho Verde significant producer?

Answer 19

Anselmo Mendes

Question 20

% production of Vinho Verde exported?

Answer 20

35%