Vinho Verde DOC
Summary
Most important appellation of the Minho. Heavy rainfall from Atlantic exposure, encourages high pergola vine training and unfortunate vintage variation. River sites provide some protective slopes, with free draining granite, schist and sand based soils. Famous for fresh white wines made with protective winemaking, sometimes with a slight spritz, (81% of total production), there is minimal red, rosé and traditional method (espumante) wines. There are 9 official sub-areas, with 35% of total production exported.