Blog do Jeriel - 2012

We visited the wine company Vinhos Norte on November 21st. Located in Várzea Cova, Fafe, we were greated by Vera Lima, Celine Oliveira and the enologist Guilherme Pereira, in the restaurant Aldeia do Pontido, in Queimadela, where there is the rural turism complex Aldeia do Pontido.

About Vinhos Norte
The company Manuel da Costa Carvalho & Filhos Lda., located in northern Portugal owes its name to its founder, who along with his children, oficilizou its activity in 1971 in the wine industry. The history of this family based company was marked by several stages where they always sought to combine the tradition and innovation in the wine industry. This ascending pathway includes the construction of a modern winery winemaking in 2005 that spurred the creation of diferent wines.
Headquartered in the village of Várzea Cova, in the Fafe county, it receives in 2007 the third generation of the family that sets the goal for the coming years of internationalization, focused on target markets. 
Vinhos Norte has always guided its activities in innovation thus pioneered the creation of varietal Vinho Verde (particularly the variety Espadeiro) and sparkling Vinho Verde. Finally, it should be noted that the company has ISO 9001:2000 certification. Its modern vinification center has five bottling lines which allow a meaningful response to international requests from countries like Belgium, Brazil, China, Denmark, Estonia, UK , France, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Spain and Switzerland.

The portfolio of Vinhos Norte is varied and includes three sparkling wines, one of the variety Vinhão

The following describes the wines tasted:

Vinho Verde Tapada dos Monges White 2011 - Alcohol: 11% - Grapes: Loureiro, Arinto and Trajadura - pale straw with greenish reflection. Predominantly floral aromas. In the mouth the acidity typical of Vinho Verde, a mineral accent , citrus touches, fine bubble and a clean finish with no bitterness.

Vinho Verde Tapada dos Monges White Azal 2011 - Alcohol: 12% - pale straw with greenish reflection. Citrus aromas. Less freshness in the mouth than the exemplary earlier, however it has more concentration and weight. The ending is mild and pleasant.

Vinho Verde Tapada dos Monges Rosé Espadeiro 2011 - Alcohol: 11.5% - Salmon intense fruit in profusion, with flavorings of cherries and strawberries, fresh and concentrated mouth with some unctuosity, structured and soft. A distinctly gastronomical profile.

Vinho Verde Norte White Alvarinho 2011 - Alcohol: 12% - Light straw. Floral aromas, citrus with a touch of minerality confirmed on the palate, lively, delicate and subtle. Great balance between acidity and freshness.

Vinho Verde Norte Rose - Alcohol: 9% - Grapes: Borraçal and Padeiro de Basto - cherry red. Flowers and red fruits alternate on the nose. Fresh mouth, light, presence of bubbles, acidity and intense finish with no edges.

The Vinhos Norte produces a variety of sparkling Vinhão worth mentioning. Powerful, reveals its true vocation at the table as an accompaniment to meat dishes (like lamb).

Vinho Verde Tapada dos Monges Red 2011 - Alcohol: 12% - Grapes: Vinhão, Amaral and Padeiro de Basto - intense color, with deep purple halo. Winy aromas with hints of raspberry. In the mouth, the acidity immediately imposes itself but does not cover the astringent tannins, striking within the canons of the grape variety. Mineral accent. Rustic finalle demanding food.

Sparkling of Vinho Verde White Reserve Miogo Brut 2009 - Grapes: Arinto (30%) and Loureiro (70%) - Alcohol: 12.5% - price: 7.00 Euros - prepared by the traditional "champenoise", pale straw color with green reflections. Big bubble, persistent. Complex aromas with hints of citrus and vegetables. In the mouth, it has a mineral accent, a freshness above average a roughness without tiring and vegetal notes. Vivacious profile  cheerful and festive.