# Casa do Valle Vinho Verde Branco Seco (2025)

- **Producer:** Casa do Valle
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Arinto, Loureiro, Azal, Alvarinho, Avesso
- **Region:** Vinho Verde, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €8
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 6–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, apple, pear, peach, lemon, lime

## About this wine

Casa do Valle is a historic estate in the Basto sub-region of Vinho Verde, Portugal, with winemaking roots dating back to the 18th century. Managed by the Sousa Botelho family for generations, the estate was modernized in 1987 by António de Sousa Botelho, who released the first commercial vintage in 1989. Unlike the typical maritime-influenced areas of Vinho Verde, Basto is located inland and sheltered by mountain ranges. This unique microclimate allows the grapes to ripen fully, producing a more structured and naturally expressive style of wine.

## Interesting facts

- The estate is located near the historic Cavez Bridge, a landmark immortalized by the famous 19th-century Portuguese writer Camilo Castelo Branco.
- Sheltered by three mountain ranges, the Basto sub-region is warmer and drier than the coastal areas of Vinho Verde, allowing for riper grapes.
- Casa do Valle is one of the largest single-quinta properties in Vinho Verde, spanning 170 hectares with 55 hectares of vineyards.

## Food pairing

This wine's high acidity and light, natural effervescence make it an exceptional palate cleanser. It cuts beautifully through the natural oils of seafood and the richness of light cheeses, while its crisp, dry profile provides a refreshing contrast to mild spices in Asian cuisine.

## Wine making process

The grapes are 100% estate-grown, hand-harvested in small crates, and fully destemmed. After gentle pressing and cold-settling, spontaneous and controlled fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with zero skin contact. The wine is aged for four months in stainless steel to preserve its fresh fruit character, followed by one month of bottle aging. Just before bottling, a minute amount of carbon dioxide (under 1 bar) is incorporated to give the wine its signature light, refreshing spritz.