Quinta do Ameal: A Testament to Loureiro’s Potential.
With its home deep in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, Quinta do Ameal, part of the Esporao group, boasts a rich history and a pioneering spirit. While the winery’s roots trace back to the 18th century, it was in the 1990s that it began to truly make its mark, driven by a commitment to quality and innovation. The estate, spanning 30 hectares divided equally between vineyards and forest, is dedicated to the cultivation of the Loureiro grape variety, which thrives in this unique terroir.
The Estate and its Terroir
Situated at an altitude ranging from 12 to 53 meters, Quinta do Ameal benefits from Vinho Verde’s distinctive climate, characterized by an average annual rainfall of 1300mm. The region’s wet conditions are balanced by its deep, granitic fertile soils, which, if not managed properly, can lead to low concentrations in the wine. This, however, is not the case with the wines we have tasted today. The estate-grown grapes reflect the meticulous care taken to control yields, ensuring high-quality production.
Vinho Verde is a region that has undergone many changes. Winemakers once refrained from using the region’s name on their labels due to its negative image. This is no longer the case, and now everyone proudly labels their wines as Vinho Verde, reflecting the region’s commitment to quality. Vinho Verde was also once planted with more red grape varieties; however, the current star of the show is the white Loureiro.
Loureiro: The Star Grape
Quinta do Ameal specializes in Loureiro, a grape variety with a significant aging potential yet to be fully discovered by wine drinkers, as wines from Vinho Verde were long known for their fresh, delicate, and more immediate style. Loureiro is a grape with pronounced flavors and a rich aromatic profile. It thrives in continental conditions, needing warm days and cool nights to maintain its refreshing acidity. The grape’s long ripening cycle contributes to its complex profile, reminiscent of Riesling with citrus, white flower aromas, and pyrazine notes. Even after aging, Loureiro wines retain a fairly green color. Quinta do Ameal’s dedication to showcasing this grape’s potential is evident as they now aim to age more of their wines, releasing them later to highlight their development.
A Taste of Quinta do Ameal
In a recent tasting two wines from the 2022 vintage, and a 2020 Reserva, showcased the estate’s range and expertise. Below our impression and ratings for the wines.
2022 Loureiro
Vinified in stainless steel, this wine embodies the purity and freshness of the Loureiro grape, showcasing the most freshness among the wines we have tasted. The aromas reveal ripe lemon pulp, white peaches, and an orange blossom undertone. The finish is refreshing with a crisp, lemony acidity.
DWA score: 88/100
2022 Solo Unico
Sourced from the oldest vineyard, Marejão, located at a higher altitude, Solo Unico benefits from enhanced freshness. Vinified in rectangular concrete for micro-oxygenation, it undergoes fermentation with wild yeast and partial malolactic conversion, resulting in a complex and nuanced wine. The aroma features a subtle smoky note from lees aging, harmoniously blending with the stone fruit aromas. The acidity here is softer, giving the wine a broader mouthfeel, yet still supported by a mineral finish.
DWA score: 89/100
2020 Quinta do Ameal Reserva
This wine undergoes a cold soak before fermentation, with some tannins extracted from the stems. Aged in French barriques and 2000-liter Austrian oak, the latter sourced from Austria’s best tonnellerie Schneckenleitner, Reserva exhibits delicate flavors. Bâtonnage is employed to add body, balancing the high acidity. This is the most complex wine we have tasted. There is a harmony between the extremely well-integrated, delicate use of oak and the citrus and stone fruit flavors of Loureiro. The wine has a long finish that uncovers its layered complexity.
DWA score: 91/100
Innovations and Experiments
Quinta do Ameal is not just about tradition; it is a hub of innovation. The estate sets aside around 500 liters of grape must annually for experimental projects. These include producing red wine with carbonic maceration in glass fermenters and a sparkling wine project with extended sur latte aging. Another intriguing endeavor is their Ripasso project, further showcasing the versatility of Loureiro. These micro-projects are fairly unusual and often only available during winery tours as curious highlights. However, these wines are also available through the winery webshop.
Beyond wine, Quinta do Ameal diversifies with their own beer and olive oil production. They also maintain an experimental vineyard planted with 180 grape varieties, in collaboration with Esporao. This vineyard is equipped with three levels of irrigation, enabling research into optimal growing conditions for the future.
Enotourism at Quinta do Ameal
Quinta do Ameal offers a serene environment for visitors, with five charming apartments available for stays. The best time to visit is during spring or summer, when the estate is in full bloom. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the vineyards and forests, experiencing firsthand the dedication and passion behind each bottle of Ameal wine. The Ameal team is also dedicated to helping guests explore the surrounding areas, not just the winery. They offer guided hikes through the surrounding nature, kayak experiences on the river Lima, or bicycle tours.
The Team Behind the Magic
At the helm of winemaking is José Luis Moreira da Silva, the Chief Winemaker since 2022, who has been involved with Quinta do Ameal since 2019. His expertise and commitment ensure that the winery continues to produce exceptional wines that honor both tradition and innovation.
Conclusion
Quinta do Ameal stands as a beacon of quality in the Vinho Verde region, with its rich history, innovative spirit, and dedication to the Loureiro grape. Whether through their exquisite wines, experimental projects, or inviting enotourism offerings, Quinta do Ameal continues to showcase the best of what this unique Portuguese region has to offer.
This article is written by our own Barbora Peterikova. We would like to thank José Luis Moreira da Silva for his cooperation and Quinta do Ameal for the wines provided. The wines discussed are imported in the Netherlands by Pallas Wines, and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.
