In the glass
Aroma: bay leaf, lemon peel, white peach, wet stone
Palate: citrus, stone fruit, saline minerality, long mineral close
The Ameal Loureiro from the Lima sub-region: bay leaf, lemon peel and stone fruit over a mineral spine. The reference single-variety Loureiro since 1990, organic-certified.
What it pairs with
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Polvo a lagareiro
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Bay-leaf aromatics and saline citrus drive partner the olive-oil-roasted octopus; high-acid frame cuts the oil. -
Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa
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Stone fruit and mineral spine partner the salt-cod and egg gratin; high acidity refreshes the palate. -
Grilled sea bream
Lemon-peel register lifts Atlantic white fish; the long mineral close picks up sea-salt seasoning. -
Vegetable summer rolls
Loureiro's herbal register suits Vietnamese herbs and rice paper; the racy acidity balances dipping sauces.
History
Quinta do Ameal at Refoios do Lima was Pedro Araujo's project from 1990, establishing single-variety Loureiro as a serious Vinho Verde style. The estate was acquired by Esporão in 2019, signalling the entry of Portugal's larger groups into Vinho Verde's premium tier.
- 1990 — Quinta do Ameal Loureiro launched as the reference single-variety Loureiro
- 2019 — Esporão acquires Quinta do Ameal
Facts
- Producer
- Quinta do Ameal (Esporão)
- Grapes
- Loureiro (100%)
- Classification
- DOC Vinho Verde
- Oak
- Stainless steel; four to six months on fine lees
- ABV
- 12.0%
- Price
- EUR 12 to 18 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1-7 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Quinta do Ameal Loureiro
What does Quinta do Ameal Loureiro taste like?
Bay leaf, lemon peel, white peach and wet stone on the nose; citrus, stone fruit, saline minerality and a long mineral close on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long finish.
When should I drink Quinta do Ameal Loureiro?
Drink within 1 to 7 years of vintage. Unusually for Loureiro, the Ameal version rewards three to five years in bottle as the citrus develops honeyed depth.
Who owns Quinta do Ameal?
Esporão acquired the estate from Pedro Araujo in 2019. The Ameal Loureiro continues as the estate's reference wine within the broader Esporão portfolio.
What food pairs with Quinta do Ameal Loureiro?
Polvo a lagareiro, bacalhau a Gomes de Sa, grilled sea bream and vegetable summer rolls. The bay-leaf and citrus register suits Portuguese-Atlantic and lighter Asian cuisine.