Aphros Loureiro 2022

Wine Description for Aphros Loureiro DOC 2022 by Aphros Wine

Colour & Appearance

Pale straw yellow with brilliant, clear reflections – typical of the Loureiro grape from the cool Vinho Verde region.

Nose

An aromatic profile that perfectly captures the Atlantic freshness of the Lima region. Intense citrus notes of orange and grapefruit dominate, accompanied by candied orange zest and mandarin peel. Beneath these develop fascinating nuances of anise, fennel and artichoke, whilst kaffir lime, sage and tarragon lend the wine an ethereal, almost meditative spice. The maritime origin is unmistakable.

Palate

Slender, cool and possessed of compelling drinkability. The moderate 11% alcohol underscores the delicate elegance of this wine. On the palate, a spectrum unfolds from mirabelle plum through grapefruit to lemon, carried by a stony, mineral backbone. The texture is tightly wound and refreshingly light, whilst the vegetal notes remain discreetly in the background.

Finish

Clean and refreshing with a delicate ethereal aftertaste that allows the aromatic spice to shimmer once more.

Terroir & Origin

The Loureiro vines thrive in the Lima sub-region within the DOC Vinho Verde on south-facing vineyard sites. The Atlantic climate fundamentally shapes the character of this wine, bestowing upon it its characteristic freshness and minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Loureiro, harvested between 16th and 23rd September. Following gentle pressing and natural sedimentation, cool fermentation took place at 16-18°C in stainless steel. Two months of yeast contact ageing imparted additional texture. With merely 45mg/l total sulphur, a remarkably purist approach.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Oysters with classic accompaniments, orange and rocket salad with walnuts, cucumber soup with crème fraîche and North Atlantic prawns. Generally ideal with raw shellfish, ceviche and light summer dishes.

Special Features

An exemplary modern Vinho Verde that combines tradition with minimalist vinification. The low sulphuring and purist approach allow the maritime terroir to shine through unadulterated.