2017 Aphros Vinhao Tinto

Region: Vinho Verde < Portugal       Grapes: Vinhão   Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming; granite soils; grapes are destemmed and foot trodden in ancient granite tanks (lagarcs); bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 10.5% ABV Winemaker: Vasco Croft Vinho Verde is a wine region in the northwestern part of Portugal, with a lush, green landscape, cooler climate, and a granite soils that give the wines a distinctive freshness. But what do you think of when you think of Vinho Verde? Probably bright, spritzy, acidic white wines that fall into in the "cheap and cheerful" or "day drinking" categories.  Bravo, you're pretty much on the mark! The region is mostly known for its whites (86 percent of total sales). But have you heard of red vinho verde?  Nope?  Well, neither had we, which is why we were surprised to learn that, until the early 90s, red wine dominated production there. And that, culturally, red Vinho Verde is as essential to meals as water. And that, in