Vinho Verde is a changing region. For decades it was synonymous with simple, pleasant, uncomplicated, whites, and the occasional rose. With expanded popularity, often comes a desire to improve the quality of the wine. This is very much the case with Vinho Verde, and Asnella is an early example of this trend. This is single vineyard Vinho Verde from just two varieties; Arinto and Loureiro. The vines for both were planted in 1992 in schist and granite soils, at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level. The site is in the south of the DOC, along the boundry of Vinho Verde, and the northern border of Douro. The division between the two dominate soil types is an actual fault line; Schist to the north, Granite to the south. For the purposes of wine, the granite brings, weight, intensity, body, while the Schist adds levity, focus, and minerals.  This is an area with a decidedly Atlantic climate; the growing season is rather cool, maritime influenced, with ample rain

Vinho Verde is a wine region and the name for the wines from that region, by and large. Located in the Minho region in the Northwest corner of Portugal, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the  Tras-os-montes and Porto regions to the east, the Barriada and Dao wine regions to the south, and the Minho River, marking the line between Portugal and Galicia in Spain to the north. As a wine region, Vinho Verde was delineated in 1908. However, in 1976 portions of now dissolved regions to the south were incorporated into Vinho Verde. There are nine subregions within the Vinho Verde DOC: Amarante, Ave, Baiao, Basto, Cavado, Lima, Moncao e Melgaco, Paiva, and Sousa. Vinho Verde presently has some 21,000 hectares of vineyards, or just under 10% of the totality of Portugese production. There are over 19,000 producers in the region, and 86% of all Vinho Verde produced is white.

Within the region both still and sparkling are produced, as well as red, white, and rose. There are various indigenous grape varieties permitted in Vinho Verde. However, the most popular are Alvariho, Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura, and Fernao Pires for whites. Reds and roses tend to be made from Espadeiro, Azal, Borracal, Sousao, and Rabo de Ovelha.

Asnella Vinho Verde

This is typically 60% Arinto and 40% Loureiro, farmed sustainably, from vines planted in 1992, at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level.  The wine is aged for 6. Months in stainless steel tanks. The Arinto tends to bring yellow fruit, high acid, and age worthiness. Loureiro brings floral notes, some herbaciousness, as well as green apples and hints of lime. This is dry, still, Vinho Verde. It is exceedingly clean and refreshing, with a zesty, mid palate, and a moderate, refreshing finish. This would be stunning with avocado and tuna sushi, with loads of ginger, and green onions.