Quinta do Ameal Loureiro
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Winery Origin Vintage Style Varietal Price Current Stock |
Quinta do Ameal DOC Vinho Verde, Lima Valley, Minho, Portugal 2009 White Loureiro £14.50 |
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This wine appears in the following casesFine Dining - The Whites (case of 6) |
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Story
The DOC of Vinho Verde (literally ‘green wine’) in the Minho region has long been seen as the poor relation to its more established, Albarino-producing neighbour Rias Baixas in northern Spain. But we are quietly confident that’s about to change. And our sommeliers are not alone, with all the UK’s wine critics lining up to gently murmur the region’s praises.
Loureiro is one of the chief varieties of the region, and the award-winning Ameal vineyards are gaining plaudits for their stellar work with this grape. The ancient Quinta do Ameal is situated in one of the oldest parishes in Portugal, established even before the country itself (1143).
Taste
The DOC of Vinho Verde (literally ‘green wine’) in the Minho region has long been seen as the poor relation to its more established, Albarino-producing neighbour Rias Baixas in northern Spain. But we are quietly confident that’s about to change. And our sommeliers are not alone, with all the UK’s wine critics lining up to gently murmur the region’s praises.
Loureiro is one of the chief varieties of the region, and the award-winning Ameal vineyards are gaining plaudits for their stellar work with this grape. The ancient Quinta do Ameal is situated in one of the oldest parishes in Portugal, established even before the country itself (1143).
Serve
The wine is produced in the sub-region of Lima, where Loureiro is at its most exuberant, evoking bay leaf, lime tree, acacia, orange and peach. Our sommeliers loved its aromatic freshness, richness, soft acidity and flexibility.
Match
An aromatic zingy start as the apéritif, crab-salad with chervil, Portuguese sardines (sardinhas assadas) with barbequed green peppers, Bacalhau (salted cod) or oysters with wasabi and citrus-saké granitée. Sing it, “Summer-time and the livin’ is eaeeeasy…!”.
Avoid
Flip-flops on steep cobbled streets; when it rains it’s impossible to look cool. Also, Portuguese idioms; Chá comigo que eu livro sua cara (literally, “tea with me that I book your face”) means “leave it to me”. Right-o. Will do.
Quote
Aha!; the antidote to perfectly boring Pinot Grigio! I’m off to put on my shorts and light the BBQ. I told you we’re making great wines. You coming?
Lucio Penetra
Head Sommelier
L’Oranger, St James', London