2023 Quinta do Ameal "Unico", Vinho Verde, Portugal

ABOUT THE WINE

Produced exclusively from 100% Loureiro, "Único" comes from the Marejão parcel at Quinta do Ameal, located in the heart of the Lima Valley—considered the historic birthplace of the Loureiro grape. The vineyard's granite soils and strong Atlantic influence preserve the variety's naturally vibrant acidity while enhancing its distinctive floral and citrus character.

The challenging yet ultimately rewarding 2023 growing season brought abundant rainfall and warm temperatures, resulting in slightly reduced yields and exceptionally balanced fruit. Grapes were hand-harvested before undergoing whole-cluster pressing and cold settling. Fermentation took place entirely in concrete—20% in concrete eggs and 80% in rectangular concrete vats—followed by eight months of aging on the gross lees, building texture and complexity while preserving the wine's freshness and purity.

The wine opens with aromas of citrus, white flowers, crushed stone, and delicate herbal notes. The palate is layered and energetic, combining bright acidity with a creamy, unctuous texture, medium body, and a persistent mineral finish. Its structure and precision make it an outstanding partner for oysters, grilled seafood, scallops, ceviche, sushi, fresh goat cheese, or refined vegetable dishes. While captivating in its youth, it also has the balance to develop additional complexity over several years in bottle.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Quinta do Ameal is one of the benchmark estates of Portugal's Vinho Verde region and has played a pioneering role in elevating the reputation of Loureiro as a world-class varietal. Situated in the Lima Valley, the estate is devoted almost entirely to Loureiro, with vineyards rooted in granite soils and influenced by the cooling Atlantic climate that defines the region's freshness and aromatic intensity.

The winery follows a philosophy of expressing vineyard character with minimal intervention, combining meticulous vineyard management with restrained winemaking. Fermentation in concrete, extended lees aging, and the avoidance of unnecessary manipulation allow the purity of the fruit and the identity of each site to shine. Today, Quinta do Ameal is widely recognized for crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines that have helped redefine modern Vinho Verde as a source of complex, age-worthy whites rather than simply light, spritzy wines.