Green Wine

Words by: Anne Berry | WINE DOWN

Historically when talking about green wine, Vinho Verde would always spring to mind. Vinho Verde is one of the largest demarcated wine regions in Portugal, located in the north of the country.

The ‘Verde’of Vinho Verde refers to the style rather than the colour of the wine. The grapes are sometimes harvested early and bottled young with low alcohol and often with a slight effervescence. In the UK it has traditionally been regarded as an inexpensive, easy drinking white wine, especially popular with Portuguese holiday home-owners. Vinho Verde is a region producing a wide range of styles and, to add confusion, red and rose ‘Green Wine’ is also produced! Since joining the EU in 1986, more has been exported and there are many styles consumed around the world, including single varietal wines from grape varieties such as Alvarinho, Avesso and Loureiro, which have ability to age in bottle.

The Vinho Verde Leme is produced from Avesso, a rare, indigenous variety producing aromatic wines with characteristic stone fruit flavours. Avesso translates as ‘reverse or opposite’ and produces wines that are typically lower in acidity and higher in potential alcohol than other native grapes from Vinho Verde. It is a challenging variety to cultivate, which has led to a decrease in vineyard area, but Jorge Pinto, Leme’s experienced winemaker is always up for a challenge and loves to use indigenous grapes. The winery is based in the extreme south-east of the Vinho Verde DOC, which benefits from excellent sun exposure, hot summer days and cool winter nights. These contribute to the aromatic character of the wine and the balance between concentrated fruit flavours, alcohol and the crisp natural acidity for which Vinho Verde is renowned.

‘Green’ is a term that can be used when describing sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines, whose producers aim to protect the environment as far as possible. such. Conversion to organic viticulture takes at least three years but more importantly, if your neighbours are using conventional methods, it is impossible to become certified.

Biodynamic viticulture takes it to the next level, ensuring that everything that is taken out of the land on a property goes back into it ready for later generations. Cattle and horses and used for the vineyard work and the food for the animals is grown on the property. The animals produce the manure to feed and fertilise the vines, meaning that there is total traceability throughout the process.

Being organic or biodynamic does not guarantee a good wine, nor does it guarantee no fuzzy head (alcohol still plays a part in that!) but a producer who cares enough to go to extreme measures to protect the vineyards for the next generation is unlikely to make a good wine that is poor in quality.

Being organic or biodynamic does not mean the wine has to be expensive. See a selection from our range here, starting at just £10 a bottle.

Mesta Verdejo – a fresh and light Spanish white from DO Ucles in the Central Castile. The dry continental climate keeps the vines healthy and any rainfall is collected and used in drip irrigation in cases of extreme drought. It’s wonderfully aromatic with peach and citrus flavours.

Vitese Zibibbo – Zibibbo is the Sicilian name for Muscat de Alexandria. The wine is highly aromatic, dry yet fruity with peach character along with notes of jasmine and rose petal. It makes an excellent accompaniment to lightly spiced dishes.

Chablis Le Clos du Chateau – our Chablis producer has a walled vineyard in front of the family property, which they are able to farm organically as there are no direct neighbours. This is dry and elegant, full on the palate with a crisp dry finish.

Ondarre Primeur Rioja – a young Rioja full of black fruit flavours with a touch of oaky spice coming from 5 months ageing in a combination of French and American 225 litre barrels.

Cotes du Rhone Reserve de Fleur – a medium bodied Cotes du Rhone made from predominantly Syrah with a little Grenache. The Syrah gives it a deep colour with blackberry and brambly fruit character while the Grenache adds structure and a touch of pepper.

Cahors K’Or – the flagship wine of the estate, a superb biodynamic red from 100% Malbec grapes. No sulphur is added during vinification, just a tiny amount at bottling to preserve the freshness. Concentrated black fruit and plum character, smooth and spicy on the palate with great structure, complexity and minerality.

Olivier Philippon, third generation winemaker at Chateau de Fleys in mid google translate at our recent visit!

A superb opportunity to acquire "Grove" a brand new flag ship property by NB design. This stunning house provides over 4,000 sqft of spacious family accommodation which has been designed for modern day living. NB design use Nudura, an insulated concrete system, making the property thermally efficient and can reduce heating and cooling bills by upto 60% in comparison to more traditional methods. Along with solar panels, air source heat, and private drainage the property raises the bar for modern day living.

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The accommodation in brief comprises of entrance hall, sitting room, open plan sitting area, dining room and kitchen, utility room, plant room, integral double garage and WC on the ground floor with 5 en-suite bedrooms and family room on the upper floors.

Outside mature gardens surround the property which are predominantly laid to lawn. Hedging has been planted which over time will provide a good degree of privacy. Large block paved driveway provides off road parking and space for a boat, caravan etc.

Isle Of Man

£995,000

Grays Estate Agency T: 678876 www.graysestateagents.com