Green wine: description and photo

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Green wine (Portugal – birthplace of the drink) is otherwise known as Vinho Verde. This is a kind of map of the country. And all because the green drink is made only in Portugal.

Drink history

There is no exact date when green wine appeared in Portugal. Mentions about him begin in the 1st century. BC e. The philosopher Seneca was the first to write about the green drink. According to numerous sources, the orders of monks actively contributed to the development of wine production. In 1172, the first taxes for green drink producers appeared. Such a decree was given by the Portuguese king Afonso Henriques.

In those days, the lands were densely populated, and people sought to grow potatoes and other vegetables. Grapevines curled around the perimeters of the plots instead of fences. Moreover, grapes grew in the most unproductive areas. Often the vine was planted next to the trees and eventually wrapped around its trunk. But even one grape branch gave a good harvest. But the quality of the berries was poor.

Over time, winemaking appeared. Drinks were made from grapes. And this business is increasingly turning into a good source of income for the population. The first alcoholic drink that wasexported from Portugal to Germany and England, it was called green wine.

Where did the name come from?

Green wine is named after a Portuguese region. It is located in the northwest of the country. There are two old provinces Douro Litoral and Minho. The slopes on which grapes grow form a natural amphitheatre. The region where green wine is made has clear boundaries and occupies 21,000 hectares.

What color is green wine?

Wine labeled "green" doesn't actually have that color. The name of the drink means youth, in other words, a short aging period. The color of the wine can be white, pink and red. Sometimes drinks have a straw or lemon tint. The green color of the wine seems so because of the bluish glass of the bottles into which the drink is poured. It takes on different shades for two reasons:

• different grape varieties;
• vinification method.

Red green wines are for everybody. They have a deep purple color. Drinks are tart and somewhat hard. And they should drink only from glasses that look like bowls. For a wide range of consumers, mainly sparkling and rosé green wines are produced.

Wine production in modern times

In modern times, green wine is produced using high technology. During the cultivation of grapes, he is tied to pegs in a special way. The berry does not spread along the ground, but hangs over it. Thanks to the coolness and shade in the grapes,excess sugar is concentrated, and a sourish tone prevails. In green, not yet ripe berries, there are no aromatic and coloring substances.

Vine color changes over time. It increases the sugar content. And at some point the grapes are harvested. In this case, the berries must be free of external defects. Therefore, grapes with damaged skins are not used for wine. Wineries are located in dry places with low temperatures and good air quality. And also away from any places that have even the slightest unpleasant smell.

The drink tastes like champagne. Wine is produced as a sparkling drink. Gas in wine appears naturally, due to malolactic fermentation. But because of this, drinks often become cloudy. Therefore, more and more manufacturers are adding carbon dioxide.

But not all green wine producers agree with this name. According to some, it confuses customers who think that the drink is made from unripe grapes. Therefore, some manufacturers come up with alternative names. For example: Vinho Regional do Minho.

But it's even more misleading when varietal wines from Alvarinho are classified as "green". Firstly, the difference is great even in the taste of drinks. And if a real bottle of green wine costs only 2 to 4 euros, then its counterparts from Alvarinho are sometimes sold at prices ranging from 18 to 20 conventional units.

Third difference: real green wines are drunk only in the first year of life. And the drinks from Alvarinho are goodkept for years. And with long exposure, they even acquire additional nutty and honey shades, which are not found in real green wines.

How to drink green wine?

A real green wine with a fruity flavor and good thirst quencher. The drink goes well with salads, seafood and white meat. Before serving, the wine should be cooled to 10 degrees. Green wines should be drunk young. They cannot be stored for a long time, especially with the lid open.

Interesting facts

In ancient times in Portugal there was a dish with the interesting name "Weary Horse Soup". It was often the main food of ordinary people. Green wine was poured into the bowl, in which bread was simply dipped and then eaten. Vinegar, Bagaseira alcoholic drink and wine spirit are made from the drink.