no
192
Avô Joâo
Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura
Portuguese white wine, only a Vinho, in fact like a Vinho Verde, ‘green wine’; young, fresh and a little fizzy
Portugal, Vinho Verde, Avô Joâo, Vinho, NV
Introduction
Based in Amarante, Sete Barbas is a distributor of fine regional wines and other regional products, such as olive oil and honey. The town of Amarante is ca. 50 km, going west, inland from the town of Porto, on the river Tamega, within the large wine region of Vinho Verde. Grandad John, Avô Joâo, is one of their white wines they distribute.
It is a non-vintage and quite low on alcohol with 10.5% vol., which is not uncommon for this type of wine. It is a Vinho (table wine), the simplest classification in Portugal, so not a DOC or DOP (highest), or IG or IGP (Vinho Regional), which is the next step down from DOC. Vinho’s are not subject to stipulations for quality or regional regulations like the others. However, very good wines can be produced, especially by certain growers, not wanting to be tied down by official rules.
Introduction
Based in Amarante, Sete Barbas is a distributor of fine regional wines and other regional products, such as olive oil and honey. The town of Amarante is ca. 50 km, going west, inland from the town of Porto, on the river Tamega, within the large wine region of Vinho Verde. Grandad John, Avô Joâo, is one of their white wines they distribute.
It is a non-vintage and quite low on alcohol with 10.5% vol., which is not uncommon for this type of wine. It is a Vinho (table wine), the simplest classification in Portugal, so not a DOC or DOP (highest), or IG or IGP (Vinho Regional), which is the next step down from DOC. Vinho’s are not subject to stipulations for quality or regional regulations like the others. However, very good wines can be produced, especially by certain growers, not wanting to be tied down by official rules.
Year:
NV
Approx:
£ 5.00
Best Served:
10-12 °C
Vol:
10.5 %
Review Date:
11 . 04 . 2018
Origin:
Portugal, Vinho Verde
Wine specifics
Ready to drink. Young, fresh, slightly fizzy, fruity, aromatic. Serving with light starters, fish dishes, on its own, salads. Obtained in Portugal, Porto, as a gift from the very kind owner of the lovely Terapia Wine Bar. ‘Try this when you get home. Make sure it is cold and shake it before serving.’ Label is black and with faint gold print; difficult to photograph. May not be available in the UK. Cork.
Ready to drink. Young, fresh, slightly fizzy, fruity, aromatic. Serving with light starters, fish dishes, on its own, salads. Obtained in Portugal, Porto, as a gift from the very kind owner of the lovely Terapia Wine Bar. ‘Try this when you get home. Make sure it is cold and shake it before serving.’ Label is black and with faint gold print; difficult to photograph. May not be available in the UK. Cork.
Insights:
The label states IVV, which means Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho, IP. A public Institute, Vine and Wine, within the ministry of Agriculture, coordinating and controlling the organization of the wine sector, by auditing the wines’ quality, as well as monitoring EU policy and its application. They oversee additionally the promotion, international relations, especially within the EU, as well as further afield. The grapes for Vinho Verde are e.g. Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso, Azal and usually a blend. These are the recommended ones and others are still permitted. Vinho Verde is the DOC and Amarante is one of the 9 sub-regions, even though this is ‘just’ a Vinho.
Review Date:
11 . 04 . 2018
