Sem Igual Still Vinho Verde DOC 2018
Type: White
Country: Portugal
Region: Vinho Verde
Grape Variety: 70% Arinto, 30% Azal
Alcohol Percentage: 12%
Viticulture: Organic Farming | Vegan Friendly
Climate: Mild climate with low temperature amplitudes without harsh winters and summers
Terroir: Vineyards grow on a soilbed of granite / gravel. Vines with ages between 4 to 70 years trained in ascending unilateral cord as well as the pergola training system, in the old vines. 200 to 300 meters of altitude and the majority of the vineyards are facing south in a half slope configuration with the exception of the pergola-trained vines
Ageing: Segmented harvest, handpicking, pressing of whole grapes followed by decanting. Fermentation at 17°C for 8 days. Transfer 10 days after fermentation and ageing in stainless steel vats for 8 months
Color: Citrus yellow
Nose: Aromas of citrus over a mineral nose
Palate: Rounded acidity, slightly full-bodied, fresh and long finish
About the Winery:
Sem Igual means “without equal”, a name that was chosen to define a Vinho Verde that is made different from the popular fizzy and sweet style. Since 1910, the Arrochela e Camizao family has been producing their distinctive style of Vinho Verde in the subregion of Amarante and Sousa.
Today, 4th generation winemaker Joao Camizao takes helm while continuing to preserve their tradition of creating an unconventional Vinho Verde – made with local grapes but non-fizzy, full-bodied, extremely dry with great acidity and ageable.
This movement is aided by the favourable soils and climate of this region. There are about 10 hectares of mostly young vineyards planted in gravelly soils with a layer of granite between 220 and 280 meters deep. The traditional native grape varieties planted here are Arinto and Azal, both of which tend to thrive in the cooler conditions of the Minho Valley (where the DOC is located).
After the grapes are harvested into small boxes, they are brought to the winery where they undergo a short (8-10 days) fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Only minimal sulfur is added and they are not filtered. Production quantities of their wines are tiny, and their goal has always been to grow at a healthy, sustainable pace while always remaining focused on their mission.
