João Portugal Ramos Alvarinho Vinho Verde DOC 2023

João Portugal Ramos is considered by many to be the Piero Antinori of Portugal and a pioneer in the region focusing on lower yields, estate fruit, varietal character, biodiversity and sustainability. 

João’s 1250 acres of vineyard are located near the ancient marble-filled town of Estremoz in Alentejo. The schist and limestone-clay soil, combined with the region’s Continental climate, create ideal conditions for growing grapes. In 2010 João expanded into the the Vinho Verde, DOC and in 2013 he released the inaugural vintage of his single varietal Alvarhino.

Vinho Verde is the largest DOC located in the northwest of Portugal with 9 sub-zones. This Alvarinho comes from the Monção and Melgaço sub-zones. The amphitheater-shaped mountain range of the region has the greatest influence on climate - the "natural shelter" that is created limits the Atlantic influence, which is characteristic of the region. Thus, in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço there are higher average temperatures in summer (better ripening), lower humidity (less incidence of mold) and also lower average annual rainfall than in the rest of Vinho Verde region which allows the grapes to ripen harmoniously without being diluted.