Vinhao

Vinhao is a grape variety, native to Portugal, renowned for producing vibrant and full-bodied red wines. Predominantly cultivated in the Northern regions of Portugal, particularly in Vinho Verde and Minho, the Vinhao grape also thrives in Spain where it is known as Souson.

Vinhao grape vines are recognised for their prodigious production of dark, compact clusters of medium-sized grapes. Crucially, unlike many other varieties, the pigmentation within Vinhao's thick skin extends to the actual grape flesh, a rare feature that significantly contributes to the wine's powerfully vivid ruby hue.

Vinhao wines are distinguished by their marked acidity and a bold, intense profile. The characteristic robustness extends to its tannic structure owing to the grape's unusually pigmented internal pulp. On the palate, Vinhao wines often reveal flavours of wild berries, cherries, or black plums with hints of sour cherry notes, underpinned by a delightful earthiness.

Unusually, Vinhao is traditionally often made using whole bunches, including stems, which are foot-trodden in granite lagares before fermentation. This old-world technique imparts extra astringency to the wine but can add complexity to the final profile.

In sum, Vinhao is a fascinating grape that delivers distinctive, deeply coloured and interestingly nuanced wines. Plaudits for its wines often focus on their unique sensory profile, robustness and adaptability in pairing with a broad array of robust and spicy foods. However, the grape's high yield and ability to grow in diverse conditions also make it an attractive proposition for winemakers.

Expect to witness the continued emergence of the Vinhao grape across many markets, as wine enthusiasts further explore characterful natives from Portuguese viticulture, driven by the increased attention to lesser-known, indigenous grape varieties. Given its robust and distinct character, it's a grape that's certainly hard to forget once you've experienced it.

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