Gouveio

Gouveio is an iconic white grape variety from Portugal, renowned for its complex and interesting wines. It is a key component of the country's vinho verde, and is also used to make still and sparkling wines.

Gouveio is a greenish-yellow colour with a medium-high intensity, predominantly tropical fruit and citrus. On the palate, it has lots of green apple, pear and peach, with a touch of herbs, with good acidity and a refreshing finish.

Gouveio is primarily grown in Portugal's Minho region, the home of vinho verde. It is also found in the Douro Valley, Ribatejo and Beiras regions. Gouveio is a relatively vigorous grape, and is well suited to the hot and humid conditions in Minho, north west of Portugal. It is usually grown on steep, terraced vineyards, and yields are kept low to ensure quality. In the winery, the grapes are usually fermented in stainless steel tanks, and usually unoaked, to preserve the primary fruit aromas. Gouveio is the dominant variety in Vinho Verde, where it is used to make light, refreshing wines. It is also used to make still and sparkling wines, and is often blended with other varieties such as Loureiro, Arinto and Alvarinho. The wines are usually dry and mineral-driven, with good acidity and a crisp finish. Gouveio pairs particularly well with seafood and light poultry dishes, as well as salads and other fresh vegetables.

Gouveio is thought to have been brought to the country by the Romans, and thrived in Portugal for centuries.