2024 Ameal Loureiro, Vinho Verde, Portugal
There are 25 units left in stock.
ABOUT THE WINE
Made entirely from Loureiro, this wine comes from the Lima subregion of Vinho Verde, considered the birthplace of the variety. Quinta do Ameal lies roughly 30 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean along the Lima River, where the estate’s vineyards sit between 12 and 53 meters in elevation on deep granitic soils. The cool, Atlantic-influenced environment helps preserve Loureiro’s naturally vivid acidity and distinctive floral-citrus character.
The 2024 growing season brought a rainy spring and ample water reserves in the soils, followed by dry conditions during harvest that allowed healthy fruit to reach the winery. Grapes were harvested by hand and whole-cluster pressed, followed by a 24-hour cold settling of the must. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at 16–18°C for 12–15 days, and the wine remained in stainless steel on its fine lees for approximately seven months before bottling in April 2025. At 12% alcohol, with 5.9 g/L total acidity and less than 1.5 g/L residual sugar, it is decidedly dry, precise, and refreshing.
Ameal’s restrained cellar approach keeps the focus firmly on Loureiro and its place of origin, while extended lees contact adds texture and dimension without sacrificing freshness. Serve chilled with oysters and shellfish, grilled or simply prepared fish, sushi, ceviche, fresh salads, or light vegetable dishes.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Quinta do Ameal is a historic 30-hectare estate in Refoios do Lima with records dating to 1710. Fourteen hectares are devoted to Loureiro, while another eight hectares are forested with walnut, chestnut, and stone pine trees, some more than 200 years old. With approximately 800 meters of frontage along the Lima River, the property is intimately connected to the cool, green landscape that defines this corner of northern Portugal.
The estate has built its identity around demonstrating the quality and aging potential of Loureiro, with a philosophy centered on vineyard expression and a strong sense of place. Quinta do Ameal follows sustainable farming practices and has begun converting vineyard parcels to organic agriculture. Sustainability extends into the cellar as well: an old cowshed was converted into the winery in 2021 while retaining its natural ventilation system, and solar panels were installed that same year. The result is a thoughtful, site-driven approach that allows one of Vinho Verde’s signature indigenous grapes to speak with unusual clarity, character, and longevity.