2010 Quinta do Ameal, Vinho Verde, Portugal, Vinho Verde DOC

The Ameal vineyards are referred to in the annals of the Refóios do Lima convent, which were written some time before 1710. The ancient Quinta do Ameal is situated in one of the oldest parishes in Portugal, established even before the country itself (which was in 1143). Quinta do Ameal wine is produced in a sub-region of Lima, where the Loureiro grape variety is at its most aromatic and tasty. The wine is characterised by its freshness and youth, possessing a floral and fruity aroma.

This wine is produced in the sub-region Lima of the DOV Vinho Verde. The soil contains granite in origin with in the dept some organic material and has a slight acidity. The vineyard is south–facing with a gentle slope and consists of 12 ha planted with 100% Loureiro.

The picking of the grapes during harvest is done manually and is exclusively carried out in 20kg cases and done in two waves. The first is to get rid of unhealthy and unripe bunches. The vineyard has been certified for their organic grapes production.

The wine matures between 3 and 6 months in stainless steel wine vats at controlled temperature to keep full freshness. The production is limited to 50 000 bottles per year. Not only Jancis Robinson, the famous wine journalist, was seduced by this wine (giving it 17/20), the famous wine magazine Wine Enthousiast gave also it a score of 88/100.