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ADEGA COOPERATIVA HANDLES THE ENTIRE PRODUCTION
PROCESS OF THE WINES AFTER THE HARVEST
PEDRO CAMPOS, THE WINEMAKER AT ADEGA COOPERATIVA
DE GUIMARÃES
co-operatives – to embrace modern winemaking techniques. Wineries have fitted
state-of-the-art technology – including stainless steel fermenters and temperature
control – and now focus on quality.
Founded in 1962, Adega Cooperativa de Guimarães is a key player within the
appellation and one of the driving forces behind its newly-minted reputation. The
co-operative’s vineyards are planted on granite soils along the banks of the river
Ave. They produce mainly white wines from a variety of grapes such as Loureiro,
Arinto, Alvarinho and Trajadura. “These varieties are well-suited to the sites in
the region and fully express the hallmark freshness and aromas of Vinho Verde”,
explains the co-operative’s winemaker.
Forty percent of the co-operative’s wines are now bound for export markets.
Although the war in Ukraine has in recent months put a dent in its upward export
trend, comments the co-op’s Bruna Almeida, overseas consignments have undeniably
been on the increase over the past few years. Europe and Brazil were the
first to take an interest in Vinhos Verdes, but the winery is now starting to export
to other destinations, including Korea, Taiwan and China. “These are currently
the markets where we are investing the most, through visits and attendance at
fairs”, admits Almeida.
But what is so different about Vinhos Verdes that they stand out from the crowd?
Their fruit characters and freshness on the palate, along with their varietal blend,
“which make them quite simply unique”. So now you know.
40 AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE