Vinho Verde DOC is found to the north of the river Douro in Portugal in the province of Minho. The translation ‘green wine’ refers to its fresh, often under-ripe, style not its colour which is either red or almost water-white. The white wines produced there are typically light, fresh & fruity often with just a hint of spritz on the tongue. The 40 hectare Quinta da Raza estate is in Celorico de Basto, to the east of the of Vinho Verde region, it has a history going back to the 18th century when the estate reared cattle, had cereal crops & apple orchards as well as vineyards. José Diogo Teixeire Coelho, the current winemaker, is a direct descendant of the original family and has been committed to wine production since he was 17 years old. The estate produces wines from indigenous Portugese grapes including Azal (white & highly acidic), Alvarinho (white, fresh & aromatic), Arinto (white & highly acidic), Padeiro (red & light), Trajadura (white with low acidity) & Vinhão (red, rustic & highly acidic).
Caviste currently stocks three wines from the estate :-
Raza, a lovely light, dry & refreshing white summer wine, a blend of Arinto, Azal & Trajadura with that distinctive Vinho Verde tingle on the tongue.
Arinto, a single white varietal, dry with white stone fruits on the palate but without the the Vinho Verde tingle!
Vinhão, a medium bodied, fruity red wine with obvious tannins complete with the Vinho Verde tingle.
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