New find: Sem Igual Vinho Verde

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I’m in Vinho Verde today.  As me and my panel observed at Decanter World Wine Awards last month, this is a region very much on the up. We had more entries than ever and better wines than ever.  That’s all I can tell you for now!

Ambitious new producers are part and parcel of Vinho Verde’s rising fortunes. I came across one such, Sem Igual, at the Annual Portugal Tasting in London. Owner João Camizão Rocha subsequently sent me his latest 2013 release to re-taste together with the previous vintage.  Here are my notes:

Sem Igual 2013 (Amarante, Vinho Verde DOC)

Like the 2012, the grapes (Arinto and Azal) are handpicked and whole bunch pressed, which translates into good quality juice/fruit.  Where the Amarante sub-region is well inland (see this map) and the vineyard on a south-facing slope, the palate is weightier and more textural (a little leesy/waxy) than wines from closer to the coast (the alcohol level also points to its warmer origins).  It reveals fresh and bruised apple and pear fruit with a nutty, leesy edge, juicy acidity and good length, concentration and interest.  13.3%

Sem Igual 2012 (Amarante, Vinho Verde DOC)