2021 Now finished: VINHO VERDE, Loureiro, Pequenos Rebentos. Portugal

Vinho Verde is made in the far north west of Portugal and this comes specifically from vines near Ponta de Lima. It’s obviously the coolest part of the country and produces the freshest, zestiest wines – hence the classic ‘verde’ (green) name for which the region is renowned.

100% Loureiro (normally a minor part of a Vinho Verde blend), fermented with natural yeasts then aged for 5 months on its lees in steel tanks.

Márcio Lopes trained in engineering but worked for a Portuguesse winery before spending 2 years in Australia and finally setting up business at home in 2010. He has 5 hectares of his own vineyard and buys in some more grapes from nearby farmers. Although not fully organic he is registered as ‘sustainable’.

Although unusual in being entirely Loureiro, this is classic Vinho Verde in its ‘green’ profile: bone-dry, citric and thirst-quenching.