Where it is
Vinho Verde is the largest wine region in Portugal, in the Minho in the north-west corner between the Douro and the Spanish border. It has nine subregions, including Monção e Melgaço and Lima.
Land and climate
Atlantic, green and wet, with granite soils. Vines have traditionally been trained up trees or on high pergolas, and "verde" refers to youth and freshness rather than colour.
Grapes and wines
Most wine is white, light, low in alcohol and sometimes a little fizzy, from Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura and Azal. Alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço is fuller and more ageworthy. Red Vinhão wines are deep, sour and tannic.