Quinta de Segade is a unique winery in the Vinho Verde region of northern Portugal that departs from the typical style of inexpensive and playful 'green wine' in this area. Instead they produce serious and incredible wine, displaying the full capabilities of this region's fruit while retaining its traditional roots. Now a certified organic estate that is working toward full biodynamic cultivation, Segade makes wine utilizing a local organic cooperative. A combined 16 hectares of vineyards is shared between four friends who aspire to make the best Vinho Verde possible, located very close to the river Sousa with rich granite soils--an assortment of family lands that date to the first half of the 20th century. In addition to the vines, organic vegetables are grown here for the weekend farmers market, and Antonio's main property serves as a picturesque backdrop to events and weddings where their wine can fill each person's glass. Native varieties from this area only are used with remarkable dedication to the vine and holistic wine-making methods to make a truly one-of-a-kind Vinho Verde.
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quinta de segade 'mica' vinho verde
azal, loureiro, trajadura, pedernã The Mica is composed of the local Loureiro, Trajadura, and Azal varietals, creating an incredibly complex and serious Vinho Verde. The soils from which the grapes are grown are rich in granite, and loaded with minerals of mica, quartz, and feldspar. Their intense brightness amplifies the effect of the rays of light, essential for proper maturation of the grapes. Being that Mica is one of the dominant elements in the vineyards from which this deliciously fresh and mineral wine comes from, the bottle takes its name. Cool climate and fresh grapes produce remarkable acidity to accompany the depth of fruit and minerality in the wine, and it is bottled without the addition of CO2 like many of the wines from this region. This is the first vintage where small amounts of Chestnut Flowers were used at different stages, as it is a way to preserve the freshness, life, and character of wine without using sulfites. The result is a pure display of electric fruit and crunchy stone minerality, with its natural character underlying it all, and making the Mica a beautiful accompaniment to any afternoon or table. |