Loureiro

The story

Loureiro is Vinho Verde's most aromatic grape—floral, citrusy, with a distinctive laurel note (hence the name). It's often blended with Alvarinho, but pure Loureiro is brilliant.

Insider story

Vinho Verde is Portugal's largest wine region—and most misunderstood. Most exported Vinho Verde is cheap, slightly fizzy, and bland. It's made from high-yielding grapes and sold for $5-10.

But serious Vinho Verde exists. Loureiro (and Alvarinho) from top producers is aromatic, complex, and age-worthy. The difference is night and day.

Loureiro grows in the Lima subregion—cooler and wetter than Monção (Alvarinho's home). The wines are floral, citrusy, with a distinctive laurel/bay leaf note.

Pure Loureiro is rare but brilliant. Most is blended with Alvarinho or other grapes.

Technical deep dive

Loureiro has high acidity (6-7 g/L), floral and citrus aromatics, and a distinctive laurel note. Alcohol: 11-12.5% ABV.

The laurel note comes from specific terpenes. It's Loureiro's signature—love it or hate it.

Blending: Loureiro + Alvarinho is classic Vinho Verde. Loureiro adds aromatics; Alvarinho adds body.

Industry secrets

Single-variety Loureiro from top producers (Anselmo Mendes, Quinta do Ameal) is $15-30 and rivals $40-60 Albariño. But nobody knows because 'Vinho Verde' sounds cheap.

For collectors

More white grapes

• Loureiro Blanca
• Macabeo
• Malagousia
• Malmsey
• Malvar