Vila Nova Alvarinho 2024

Vila Nova Alvarinho, Vinho Verde, Minho, Portugal, 2024

Grape: 100% Alvarinho, unoaked

Producer Tasting Note:

Bright citrus aromas and a fresh, lively palate with ripe, limey flavours, textural stone fruit and an appealing softness but still the balancing minerality characteristic of this variety. An approachable and fruit-driven style of Alvarinho offering great value compared to its Spanish (Albarino) cousin across the border.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Peach, apple and lime . Good fruit on the palate with a nice length."  International Wine Challenge, 2025

Winemaking: Casa de Vila Nova is located in the sub region of Sousa, the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region in the North of Portugal. The vinho verde lands are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean winds and influence where soils, microclimate, grape varieties and the unique characteristics of the wine culture distinguish it from all other wine regions of the world. The grapes are harvested by hand in 20 kg boxes that are transported quickly to the winery where the grapes are then destemmed, pressed and fermented in temperature controlled vats.

Estate: Casa de Vila Nova is owned by the Lencastre family, of aristocratic Portuguese lineage (one of their ancestors became the first Baron of Varzea do Douro in the 1800s). This land has been in their family since the 12th century - the ivy clad tower that still remains from that time is now surrounded by Vila Nova (new house) that was built in the 1700s, and the property was gradually extended over the centuries.

Located near the town of Penafiel, close to the eastern border of Portugal's Vinho Verde wine region, the property is around a 30 minute drive east from Oporto. In the late 1970s the family planted vines over 12 hectares - mainly local Portuguese varieties. In 2008 Bernardo Lencastre and his brothers took over the running of the property, revitalised the vineyards and began making Vinho Verde and bottling their own wines - the first generation to do so. They now have around 42 hectares of vineyard.

Food Match: A good pairing for chicken salads, fish and sushi, or even Vietnamese meatballs