Quinta da Raza, Minho, Vinho Verde, Portugal

QUINTA DA RAZA: THE BEST GRAPE SUPPLIER OF MINHO

Quinta da Raza is located in the Celorico de Basto subregion, situated in the southeast of the Vinho Verde region, bordering the Douro region. The family winery dates back to the 17th century . Previously, the grapes were sold to the local cooperative. Dom Diogo , the fourth generation, took over the company from his grandfather in 1987. At the encouragement of his wife and due to the fact that he was the best grape supplier to the cooperative , he decided to start bottling himself in 2000. His wife Mafalda takes care of the marketing and export. The successful company has now grown to 40 hectares and sales of 200,000 bottles. The soil in this region consists mainly of granite , but schist (limestone) and clay can also be found in this subzone. Unique for this region! The vineyards of Quinta da Raza are located on hills at an ideal altitude for this region of an average of 250 meters, near the Tamaga River. This river, unlike most rivers in Portugal, flows from northeast to southwest instead of east to west. Together with the mountains to the west, this creates a characteristic microclimate where the influence of the Atlantic Ocean with the necessary supply of rain has less influence. The sheltered location ensures a slightly higher temperature, which makes it easier for the grapes to ripen.

QUINTA RECEIVES MULTIPLE PRIZES

The Quinta da Raza vineyard has won several awards. In 1999 during the Spanish event, ' Fair of Galiza ', where the Raza vineyard was chosen as the best vineyard from a selection of Spanish and Portuguese participants. The vineyard was awarded a silver medal in: 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2009 during the wine competition, 'Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes' (CVRVV). The Quinta da Raza also received the CVRVV in 2008, awarding the owner, Diogo Teixeira Coelho, the certificate: "Best Wine Producer of the Year.

SPARKLING VINHO VERDE

The white Vinho Verde , on the other hand, is a delicious, fresh wine with often a low alcohol percentage. Characteristic of Vinho Verde is the slightly sparkling character , which is caused by a small amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which is added to the wine during bottling. Depending on the grape varieties used, Vinho Verde has a floral or fruity aroma. Sometimes a combination of both elements can be found in the taste. The wine has a fresh, youthful and lively taste character. A sub-region in Minho is Monção from which only Vinho Verde comes from 100% Alvarinho.