The Loureiro
Grape
A white grape variety indigenous to the Vinho Verde region in Portugal, Loureiro is celebrated for its aromatic intensity, producing wines with floral and citrus aromas, including distinctive notes of laurel and orange blossom. Wines made from Loureiro are typically light, fresh, and high in acidity, embodying the crisp, vibrant character of Vinho Verde.
Loureiro
Grape History
Loureiro is a white wine grape variety primarily grown in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal. The history of Loureiro is a rich and storied one, dating back centuries to when it was first cultivated in the Minho region of northern Portugal. The name "Loureiro" is believed to have originated from the Portuguese word "louro," meaning laurel, which is a reference to the aromatic and floral characteristics of the grape.
Loureiro grapes are known for their high acidity and intense floral aromas, which give wines made from this variety a fresh and aromatic profile. These wines are typically light-bodied with vibrant citrus and tropical fruit flavors, making them a popular choice for pairing with seafood dishes.
In addition to Portugal, Loureiro is also grown in the Galicia region of Spain, where it is known as "Loureiro Branco." In recent years, Loureiro has gained international recognition for its distinctive flavor profile and its ability to produce high-quality wines with a unique sense of place.
Loureiro is often used in blends with other indigenous Portuguese grape varieties such as Alvarinho, Arinto, and Trajadura to create refreshing and well-balanced wines. However, it is also increasingly being used to produce varietal wines that showcase the grape's individual characteristics.
The future of Loureiro looks promising, as consumer interest in unique and aromatic white wines continues to grow. The Vinho Verde region, in particular, has been investing in the promotion of Loureiro wines, which has helped raise the grape's profile both domestically and internationally.
With its distinctive flavor profile, high acidity, and aromatic qualities, Loureiro is well-positioned to continue to thrive in the global wine market. As consumers search for new and exciting wine experiences, Loureiro stands out as a versatile grape variety that can produce a wide range of styles, from light and crisp to more complex and structured wines.
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