From: Minho, Portugal
Blend: Arinto, Azal, Loureiro, and Trajadura
Taste: Tasting notes reveal an abundance of white flowers paired with white fruit notes such as pear, peach, apricot, lychees, pineapple, passion fruit, and papaya. Its light and clean mouthfeel is accompanied by an enlivening freshness on the palate, backed by vivid acidity.
Pairing: This cheerful Vinho Verde is a versatile wine, perfect for savoring on its own as an aperitif or paired with an array of dishes. Its freshness and tropical notes make it an ideal match for sushi, pasta, pizza, fish, seafood, and Asian cuisine (check out the recipe below!). Furthermore, the wine's vibrant character complements the rich flavors of Paella, a traditional Spanish dish known for its saffron-infused rice and various meats, fish, and vegetables.
Café China’s Dan Dan Noodles
Recipe from Shaoyan He
Adapted by Alexa Weibel
About. Portugal's Vinho Verde region is renowned for its vibrant and refreshing wines. The tradition is upheld in the picturesque Amarante sub-region, nestled deep within the lush green landscapes of Minho. The 2022 Lago Cerqueira Vinho Verde is a prime example, heralding from the Calcada Wine Estates in the Amarante wine region. In this article, we explore the distinctive charm of this wine and the rich heritage of the land from which it springs forth.
Amarante: A Historic Haven for Viniculture
Amarante is a village that basks in verdant greenery on either side of the Tâmega River in North Portugal'sPortugal's Minho area. The region'sregion's wine, produced under the Vinho Verde DOC, is a hidden gem. While Amarante is well-regarded for its red wines, the unique climate conditions, resulting from its shielding from the Atlantic and higher average altitudes, also favor the production of sumptuously matured white
grapes.
This UNESCO Creative City boasts a rich history that dates back to the Stone Age, and its Romanesque architecture is a testament to its ancient roots. The soul of Amarante is not only captured in its historical landmarks but also distilled in its wines that offer a palate reminiscent of its lively cultural heritage.
Calcada Wine Estates: A Century-Old Legacy
Quinta da Calçada, the nucleus of Calcada Wine Estates, is one of the oldest producers in the Vinho Verde region, with vineyards dating back to 1917. The estate is known for its quintessential 17th-century Casa adorned with Calcada tiles and a contemporary wine-making center with advanced technology.
The vineyards are spread over 70 hectares and certified for sustainable practices, expressing what nature offers. The estate's LAGO wines, including the 2022 Lago Cerqueira Vinho Verde, are named after the estate's founder, Lago Cerqueira, capturing the region's freshness and the aromatic exuberance of its grape varieties.
2022 Lago Cerqueira Vinho Verde: A Tapestry of Flavors
This wine is a delightful blend of Arinto, Azal, Loureiro, and Trajadura grape varieties. The grapes are harvested by hand at the peak of maturation and swiftly transported to the winery. They are destemmed, gently pressed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. This meticulous process ensures the wine's vibrant and clear yellow citric color and light effervescence, which allows for the release of its tropical and citric aromas.