Portugal's largest DOC in the lush, Atlantic-influenced Minho region of northwestern Portugal, producing vibrant, refreshing whites from Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura, and Arinto at low to medium alcohol. The sub-region of Monção e Melgaço on the Spanish border produces the finest Alvarinho — mineral, aromatic, and with greater depth than the lighter spritzy styles. 'Vinho Verde' (green wine) refers to the wine's freshness and youth, not its color.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Outstanding Vinho Verde vintage; Monção e Melgaço Alvarinho showed extraordinary aromatic complexity and citrus mineral precision. |
| 2021 | — | Classic Atlantic vintage; the Minho's high humidity produced wines of excellent natural freshness and vitality. |
| 2020 | — | Benchmark year; Soalheiro and Anselmo Mendes produced Alvarinho of exceptional depth and aging potential. |
| 2019 | — | Outstanding vintage; Alvarinho from Monção demonstrated world-class aromatic complexity for the first time internationally. |
| 2018 | — | Solid vintage; Loureiro and Trajadura blends showed excellent aromatic character; Alvarinho of good structure. |