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The Arinto Grape

A white grape variety native to Portugal, Arinto is prized for its vibrant acidity and citrus flavors, often with mineral undertones. It is versatile, grown across various Portuguese wine regions, including Vinho Verde, Bucelas, and Alentejo. Arinto produces refreshing wines that can exhibit complexity and longevity, often displaying lemon, green apple, and lime notes.

Arinto Grape History

Arinto is a white wine grape variety that is believed to have originated in Portugal. It is widely planted in the country, particularly in regions such as Vinho Verde and Bucelas. Arinto is known for its high acidity, which makes it a popular choice for producing crisp, refreshing wines.

Historically, Arinto has been used in blends to add acidity and freshness to wines. However, in recent years, winemakers have increasingly been showcasing Arinto as a single-varietal wine, highlighting its unique characteristics and potential for aging.

One interesting fact about Arinto is its versatility in winemaking. It can be used to produce a wide range of styles, from light and aromatic to full-bodied and complex. Arinto wines often exhibit notes of citrus, green apple, and minerality, with a lively acidity that makes them a great match for seafood dishes and salads.

Aside from Portugal, Arinto is also grown in regions such as Spain (where it is known as PedernĂ£), South Africa, and the United States. In Portugal, Arinto is a key component in the production of Vinho Verde wines, where it contributes to the bright, zesty character of the wine.

In terms of the projected future of Arinto, the grape variety is gaining recognition for its quality and versatility. As consumers continue to explore new and lesser-known grape varieties, Arinto is likely to attract more attention for its ability to produce distinctive and vibrant wines. Additionally, the growing interest in crisp, food-friendly wines is expected to further boost the popularity of Arinto in the global market.

Overall, Arinto is a grape variety with a rich history, distinctive characteristics, and promising future. Whether used in blends or as a single varietal wine, Arinto continues to captivate wine lovers with its freshness, acidity, and ability to express the terroir of the region where it is grown.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel