Leme Avesso Vinho Verde 2022

Avesso is a rare, indigenous variety from the Vinho Verde region producing aromatic wines with characteristic stone fruit flavours. Avesso translates as ‘reverse or opposite’ as it produces wines that are typically lower in acidity and higher in potential alcohol, unlike the majority of other native grapes from Vinho Verde. However, it can be a challenging variety to cultivate, which has led to a decrease in production of this unique grape. Traditionally used in a blend, Avesso is now coming into its own as a 100% varietal wine. The vines for this wine are grown in Baião, which is located in the extreme south-east of the Vinho Verde DOC. The region benefits from excellent sun exposure, hot summer days and cool winter nights which contributes to the aromatic character of the wine and the balance between concentrated fruit flavours, alcohol and the crisp natural acidity Vinho Verde is renowned for. The vines are planted on slopes and are trained according to a double cordon trellising system. The vineyard is cultivated sustainably with respect for the soils and biodiversity of the environment and the grapes were hand-harvested at optimal maturity.

The grapes were picked into 20 kilogram crates to protect the quality of the fruit and then gently crushed without having been destemmed. The must was immediately pumped over and fermented with carefully selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit. The wine was vinified without malolactic conversion, to retain the fresh, pure and crisp style.