Leme Loureiro Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2022

The Loureiro grapes come from the Cávado subregion, in the heart of the Vinho Verde DOC, where the variety thrives in a mesoclimate of mild temperatures and high rainfall. The vines are planted on slopes, with a double-cordon training system. The name Loureiro means ‘laurel’ and refers to the distinctive aromas of the berries. The Alvarinho grapes come from the River Minho Valley, the birthplace of the variety, which is located in the Monção and Melgaço subregions. These subregions are surrounded by high mountains, which form a bell-jar shape, protecting the valley from the ocean winds and resulting in a hotter and dryer mesoclimate than other Vinho Verde subregions. The vines are planted on the slopes of the left bank of the Minho River, with a northern exposure and are trained according to a single cordon method. All the vines are cultivated sustainably, respecting the biodiversity of the environment.

The grapes were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. The Loureiro grapes were destemmed and then both varieties of grapes were gently crushed in a pneumatic press. Each variety was vinified separately. The must was immediately fermented in stainless steel tanks with carefully selected yeasts. The wine was vinified without oak, to retain the purity of fruit.