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2018 Aphros Melissae Vinho Verde Loureiro

2018 Aphros Melissae Vinho Verde Loureiro

Region: Vinho Verde

Grape: Loureiro

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming; granite soil;
fermented in stainless steel and aged on concrete egg for 3 months;
bottled unfined/unfiltered with no added SO2; zero-zero; 11% ABV

Winemaker: Vasco Croft

Vinho Verde is a wine region in the northwestern part of Portugal,
with a lush, green landscape, cooler climate, and a granite soils that
give the wines a distinctive freshness. But what do you think of when
you think of Vinho Verde? Probably bright, spritzy, acidic white wines
that scream "day drinking" -- because the area is mostly known for its
cheap and cheerful whites (86 percent of total sales).

But the folks at the biodynamic Aphros estate, which has been in Vasco
Croft’s family since the 17th century, know they can do better with
the region's raw materials.  5th generation Vasco Croft is one of the
pioneers of biodynamic farming in Portugal.  A man of many colors and
life experiences, he found his love for biodynamic farming and
winemaking through a chance encounter with a Buddhist monk where a
bottle of wine was shared. He was inspired to return to his family’s
semi-abandoned property and begin a wine project that is now the
Aphros estate.

'Melissae' is Vasco's new take on the signature white grape, Loureiro,
made from the best grapes from their highest-altitude vineyard.  The
name alludes to the nymphs of honey, which is appropriate both to the
prevalence of bees at this site and the floral beauty of the nose. The
gorgeous label comes from a design by Vasco’s cousin, the renowned
Portuguese artist José Pedro Croft.  And it tastes like it would be
nectar of the nymphs -- light and ethereal, with intense aromatics of
honey and white flowers, but bone dry and delicate on the palate, the
skin contact barely peeking through to lend complexity, a light
rose-gold color and the texture of raw silk.   Such a pretty wine, we
want to bathe in it, frolicking and sipping away, like a honey nymph!
$33.00
$33.00
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