Quinta da Baseira Tinto Bom: A Red Vinho Verde

As I mentioned previously, many people don't realize the diversity of Vinho Verde, generally as they've had no experience with its other forms. For most people, it's commonly a light and refreshing white wine, crisp and full of bright citrus flavors, simple and easy to drink, with a touch of effervescence. But there is more to Vinho Verde than this example, including Red Vinho Verde.

The Vinho Verde DOC, broken into nine subregions, produces about 87% White wine, 6% Rosé, and 7% Red, so Red is uncommon, and rare to find on local wine shop shelves. While perusing the shelves at the Meditrina Wine & Cheese shop in Chester, Vermont, I found the 2017 Quinta da Baseira Tinto Bom (around $22), a Red Vinho Verde, which I had to buy due to the rarity of this style. At the time, I knew nothing else about this wine but I was willing to take a chance. 

Antonio Ribeiro Pereira owns two vineyards, Baseira and Freixo, on the banks of the Tâmega River in the Amarante subregion of the Vinho Verde DOC. The vineyards are certified organic and in the process of obtaining Demeter Biodynamic certification as well. 

The Tinto Bom is produced from 100% Tinta Nacional, also known as Vinhão or Sousao, which is the primary grape for most Red Vinho Verde. It is a thick-skinned grape with high acidity, and can produce very dark red wines. The grapes for this wine are trod by foot in steel vats, and aged in stainless steel for about three years. With a 13% ABV, the wine is also unfined, unfiltered, and has no added So2. It is more of a natural wine, intended to show the terroir of the vineyard. 

On the nose, there were interesting red fruit aromas with a hint of earthiness. It was medium-bodied, with a medium-red color, less dark than expected, and on the palate it was light, crisp and refreshing, with a mild effervescence, and flavors of red and black berries, and an earthy undertone. It possessed an intriguing taste, complex and delicious, with a lengthy and pleasing finish. Simply delicious. Serve slightly chilled, and enjoy on its own or with anything grilled.

The world needs more Red Vinho Verde.