The Avesso
Grape
A white grape variety from the Vinho Verde region in Portugal, Avesso is known for its robust structure and higher alcohol potential compared to other grapes in the region. It produces complex, aromatic wines with flavors of stone fruits, citrus, and floral notes, combined with refreshing acidity. Avesso wines can age well, developing more nuanced flavors over time.
Avesso
Grape History
Avesso is a white wine grape variety originating from the Minho region of Portugal. This grape is known for producing wines with a unique and complex flavor profile, making it a popular choice among wine enthusiasts looking to explore something different.
The history of the Avesso grape dates back several centuries, with records of its cultivation in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal as early as the 19th century. The grape is believed to have originated in the Douro Valley and eventually made its way to the Vinho Verde region where it thrives in the cool, maritime climate.
Avesso is characterized by its high acidity and aromatic qualities, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and stone fruits. It is often used in blends with other grape varieties such as Alvarinho or Loureiro to create refreshing and aromatic wines with a distinctive character.
Avesso is primarily grown in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal, where it is used to produce high-quality white wines that are appreciated for their crisp acidity and mineral notes. The grape is also cultivated in other regions of Portugal, such as the Douro Valley and the Dao region, where it contributes to the vibrant and complex flavor profiles of the wines produced there.
In recent years, Avesso has been gaining recognition on the international wine scene, with an increasing number of producers showcasing the grape in single-varietal wines that highlight its unique characteristics. The grape's versatility and ability to adapt to different winemaking techniques have contributed to its growing popularity and appeal to both consumers and winemakers alike.
Looking ahead, the future of the Avesso grape looks promising, as more winemakers continue to explore its potential and experiment with different winemaking styles to showcase its exceptional qualities. With its distinctive flavor profile and increasing consumer interest in unique and lesser-known grape varieties, Avesso is poised to become a standout grape varietal in the world of wine.
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