Marcio Lopes, Pequenos Rebentos, Vinho Verde, 2021

Marcio Lopes, Pequenos Rebentos, Vinho Verde, 2021Mrcio Lopes studied as an engineer, but cut his winemaking teeth working for two years with Vinho Verde master Anselmo Mendes in Melgao. He then traveled to Australia where he made wine in Rutherglen and Tasmania, another cool climate region. He returned to Portugal in 2010 to start his own projects, including Pequenos Rebentos in Vinho Verde. He initially started working with Alvarinho and Trajadura (known as Albario and Treixadura in Spain) from the

Márcio Lopes studied as an engineer, but cut his winemaking teeth working for two years with Vinho Verde master Anselmo Mendes in Melgaço. He then traveled to Australia where he made wine in Rutherglen and Tasmania, another cool climate region. He returned to Portugal in 2010 to start his own projects, including Pequenos Rebentos in Vinho Verde.He initially started working with Alvarinho and Trajadura (known as Albariño and Treixadura in Spain) from the sub-regions of Monção and Melgaço. These areas have a very particular microclimate, with slightly less Atlantic influence than the rest of the region - winters are cold with moderate rainfall and summers are hot and dry. During 2016 he also started to grow and vinify local varietals Loureiro, from Ponte de Lima, and Avesso from Amarante. He now farms 5ha of vineyards, planted on granite, as well as buying some grapes from selected growers who also work in the same sustainable way and without herbicides.His winemaking is low intervention, he ferments using natural yeasts, and like many of our producers he believes that if the fruit is good enough he will make quality wines with balance that reflect his terroir. This seems to be working - his wines are distinctively fresh and vibrant, showing bright and clear typical variety aromas.

Vinho Verde is in the cool, verdant north west of Portugal. The Alvarinho() is grown in the sub-regions of Moncao and Melgaco. These areas have a very particular microclimate, with slightly less Atlantic influence than the rest of the region - winters are cold with moderaterainfall and summers are hot and dry which is particularly suited to the grape. Soils are granitic and free draining, altitude is between 300-400 meters.

Fresh and vibrant, showing bright and clear varietal aromas - fleshy and pure, with crisp acidity and a balanced texture. Partners well with seafood and creamy sauces.