Asnella is a single vineyard Vinho Verde that exposes an unexplored side of the Vinho Verde DOC. In addition to the delicious, lightly effervescent aperitif-style wines that are most frequently exported from this part of Northern Portugal, there is a whole category of terroir-driven, artisan wines that has heretofore gone unnoticed. The vineyard where Asnella is grown is on the border between the Southern side of the Vinho Verde DOC and the Northern edge of the Douro. This vineyard a fault line that separates two very different soil types – the schist of the Northern Douro and the granite of the Douro, as noted on either side of the label. The blend of these two parcels in the vineyard imbues the wine with a profound minerality and weight uncommon for Vinho Verde.

Tasting Notes

It shows remarkable concentration, length, and minerality. The nose shows lime zest, green apple, wet stone, and white pepper; it is almost reminiscent of a Federspiel level Grüner Veltliner. The palate is clean, concentrated, and incisive, with dry citrus and unripe pear followed by flavors of tarragon, slate and white pepper.

Food Pairing

The flinty minerality and bright fruit on the Asnella make it an ideal pair for oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels and other seafood. The clean flavors of east Asian cuisine are a particularly good pairing.

Grape Variety: Arinto 

Country: Vinho Verde - Portugal