Minho

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The geographical production area extends across the entire northwest of Portugal at altitudes below 700 metres, bounded by the River Minho to the north, the River Douro and the Serra da Freita, Serra de Arada and Serra de Montemuro ranges to the south.
• The mountainous zones to the east and south form a natural barrier separating the region from the more inland parts of the country, which have a more Mediterranean character.
• The annual rainfall pattern is characterised by very high totals, averaging 1,200 mm, with irregular distribution throughout the year, concentrated in winter and spring.
• The soils are predominantly of granitic origin, with two narrow schist bands crossing the region in a southeast–northwest direction, originating south of the River Douro.
• The soil is generally shallow and heterogeneous, which requires careful selection of sites with greater viticultural potential, such as moderately deep soils with good internal drainage.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the specification (caderno de especificações).

All appellations in Portugal

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-PT-A1536
• Official trade body site — Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes