Minho

Vinho Verde is produced in the north-west of Portugal, in the province of Minho. Following the Douro region, it is the largest Portuguese DOC area. Although it is located far from the centre of the country, Minho is the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. It was here, in the county of Portucale that the creation of the nation was proclaimed. The Minho region is the greenest area of Portugal and it is highly probable that it is the origin of the name of the recognised wine. Minho shares its name with the local river, extends from the Duoro River (near Porto) to the border with the Spanish Galicia. From the west it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and separated from the rest of Portugal by mountain ranges. Geographical separation from Europe and to a large extent from its own country is what contributed to the fact that life here is peaceful and traditional. On the picturesque slopes of Sierra da Peneda, in ancient stone villages, the everyday routine does not differ much from the life of the villagers’ ancestors in the nineteenth century.

Until recently, the red version of the impeccable Vinho Verde dominated. Nowadays it is also consumed by locals, however foreigners are not captured by the low, 8% alcohol content in the red wine.

The term Verde, meaning green, refers not to the colour, but freshness and immaturity of the wine, as the production process employs not fully matured grapes, which are green . Vinho Verde is distinguished with freshness and slight acidity.

Plantations where Vinho Verde matures cover over 70 thousand hectares which constitutes ca. 15% of production in the country. 30 000 winemakers are registered here; they produce a total of over one thousand types of wine known collectively as Vinho Verde.DOC Vinho Verde is divided into six sub-regions designated by different climates and white grape varieties: AMARANTE, AVE, BAIÃO, BASTO, CÁVADO, LIMA, MONÇÃO, PAIVA, SOUSA. The majority of white Vinho Verde wines is primarily a blend of such varieties as: Azal, Loureiro, Trajadura, Avesso and Pedernão (Arinto). White Vinho Verde is usually served with fish or seafood, as well as white meat, always at 8-10 degrees C. Recently, this wine began to be served as an aperitif also because of its lightness and refreshing qualities. The best and most expensive Vinho Verde comes from the northern part of the region, it is also the least typical for that region and is produced from the noble Alvarinho variety. It is the same variety that enjoys immense popularity as Albarino on the other side of the border – in Spanish Galicia. Vinho Verde made from the variety is characterised by surprising longevity. As opposed to the other types of Verde, it reveals its true potential after several years.

In order to visit the Minho vineyards it is best to follow the Rota dos Vinhos Verdes router (Green Wine Route), labelled with images of a green –coloured grape leaf.

VERCOOPE

The Minho region is characterised by dispersed small farms. The 50s of the previous century saw the beginning of cooperative movement. Vercoope is the Winemaking Cooperative Association of the Vinho Verde region created in 1964.

The aim of associating small vineyards in larger economic structures was to form a representation of the latter so that they could benefit from the production and distribution of wines, as well as increase the effectiveness of marketing activities. At the same time co-operatives aimed to preserve the rich cultural heritage and tradition of wine production.

From the moment it was formed, Vercoope has had a significant influence on the development of culture and spread of knowledge abort Vinho Verde among Langer circles of enthusiasts and consumers of wine, as only then it was possible to combine high quality with the right consumer price.

Today Vercoope combines around 5000 winemaking farms, connected vineyards, marketing and distribution of Vinho Verde.

Vercoope coordinates the cooperation of the following vineyards: Amarante, Braga, Guimaraes, Felgueiras Famalicao, Vele de Cambra.

For the tens of years of operation, Vercoope has supported the Policy of quality and prestige of wines from the Vinho verde appellation and has won itself a significant position in the industry and has become a threshold for operations of other companies in this area on local and national grounds.