Intro: I come from a long line of vinho verde makers in Monção and with most “family sized” properties for personal consumption, the wine is red. Bet you never met someone who said their “a-ha” wine was made with vinhão! These days I live in the Toronto area at the exact mid-point between my office and favourite local winery. I can be found supporting my local wine scene, constantly amongst the vines as I long to be back with family during harvest. #wine #vinhoverde
@RubenAugusto Yes, Vinhao, a bit different as a go-to. ;) I like what they are doing with it in Douro too.
@monsieurms When folks are puzzled by my choice I try to emphasize that their gateway into wine appreciation doesn’t have to start with a particular wine but a particular moment with wine. Not much better than enjoying a picnic with some chilled red vinho verde and grilled sardines overlooking the Minho river with great company! #wine

@RubenAugusto When Xito Olazabal gave me an experimental batch, the acidity was so high it made my mouth pucker. And THAT'S from Douro. I tasted many typical Vinhos Verdes. Thin, tart, boring. There are some I like more (Eulalia), but I also learned, as you say, on a warm day, chilling it a bit, sitting on the dock, goes down well w/food. Then life is good.

I still can't make it into a typical wine, though, at least not as it shows in VV. Some of what Vallado is doing is impressive. #wine

@monsieurms Unfortunately the only commercial vinhão I can find locally is the one made by Anselmo Mendes, which I enjoy but wouldn’t open for guests outside of family. I really like what is being done with Baga and in the Dão these days but what I really need to get a hold of is the stuff coming out of the Açores! #wine
@RubenAugusto Want me to talk to Macanita for you? :) #wine

@monsieurms Y E S !

The stuff I’ve tried from the Douro was fantastic. #wine

@RubenAugusto Hi Ruben, great to have you with us. Portugal is a country dear to my heart for many reasons. And I've spent a great deal of enjoyable time in Vinho Verde over the years.

Have you ever tried Aphros's Vinhão?

@simonjwoolf @RubenAugusto Simon, thanks for boosting the newcomers on your server. Helps us elsewhere tremendously.

Nice to meet you, Ruben. I love Portugal (and the Aphros Vinhão, btw). Traveled once in VV but mostly have visited the Douro. Looking forward to keeping in touch here. 🥂

@simonjwoolf Unfortunately not. I haven’t seen it available locally. I’ve heard and read good things about it.