In the glass

Medium-bodiedHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: bay leaf, lemon curd, honeysuckle, spiced lees

Palate: citrus oil, stone fruit, creamy texture, long mineral close

Barrel-fermented old-vine Loureiro from Aphros, Demeter-certified. Lemon curd and honeysuckle over creamy lees with the depth to cellar.

What it pairs with

  • Roast hake with brown butter
    Barrel-derived creamy texture matches the beurre noisette; mineral spine keeps the dish precise.
  • Poached lobster
    Honeysuckle and citrus-oil register partners sweet lobster; old-oak weight supports the dish without flattening.
  • Risotto with peas and mint
    Bay-leaf aromatics and creamy texture lift fresh-pea risotto; high acidity cuts the rice starch.
  • Aged hard cheese
    Spiced lees and honeyed citrus pair Sao Jorge and other aged Portuguese cheeses.

History

Daphne is the Aphros barrel-fermented old-vine Loureiro selection, named for the Greek nymph turned into a laurel tree (a nod to Loureiro's bay-leaf etymology). Demeter-certified biodynamic and built for medium-term cellaring.

  1. 2009 — Aphros Daphne launched as the barrel-fermented old-vine Loureiro

Facts

Producer
Aphros Wine
Grapes
Loureiro (100%)
Classification
DOC Vinho Verde
Oak
Old French oak fermentation and ageing; ten months on lees with batonnage
ABV
12.5%
Price
EUR 22 to 32 at retail
Drinking window
2-10 from vintage
First vintage
2009
Biodynamic
Demeter Certified
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Aphros Daphne

What does Aphros Daphne taste like?

Bay leaf, lemon curd, honeysuckle and spiced lees on the nose; citrus oil, stone fruit, creamy texture and a long mineral close on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long oak-lees finish.

When should I drink Aphros Daphne?

Drink between 2 and 10 years from vintage. The barrel fermentation and old-vine concentration reward five to seven years in bottle as the honeyed register develops.

Is Daphne biodynamic?

Yes. Aphros has been Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2007 and Daphne is bottled under that certification.

What food pairs with Daphne?

Roast hake with brown butter, poached lobster, risotto with peas and mint, and aged hard cheese. The barrel weight and creamy texture reward structured food matches.

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