Aphros Vinhao 2018

Cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant before serving.

Architect Vasco Croft founded Aphros winery on his family’s 17th century Casal do Paço estate in 2002. Set in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, the estate specialises in biodynamic winemaking thanks to Croft’s longstanding interest in the practice. Wherever possible grape growing and winemaking is done in harmony with the natural environment. Measures include only using naturally-derived treatments on the vines, use of cover crops in between the vines, and wild yeasts for fermentation in the winery.

Aphros’ wines are made from classic local varieties like Loureiro and Vinhao which are perfectly suited to the local terroir. This light and elegant red is a great introduction to the Vinaho variety with grapes sourced from top Aphros vineyards in the Lima sub-region of Vinho Verde.

Once in the winery the grapes are macerated and fermented according to traditional methods in granite lagares or troughs as well as some more modern stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged on the lees for a time before bottling. The result is an excellent gastronomic red wine with a perfect balance between ripe red fruit character and freshness. Sour cherry, raspberry and fresh herbs dominate the nose while the palate offers hints of crushed wild berries and menthol.