Portuguese sparkling wines
Espumante from Portugal is a festive, unique alternative
The finest sparkling wine from Portugal is called "Vinho Espumante". It stands for strong aromas and elegant structures. And it need not fear comparison with "real" champagne. What makes sparkling wine and mousse from Portugal so special? In one sentence: The traditional Portuguese winegrowers have developed their very own style over the centuries.
Cartuxa Espumante Branco Bruto
- Cartuxa
- Schaumwein - dry
- Portugal - Alentejo
- Arinto
Content: 0.75 Liter (€60.00* / 1 Liter)
Cartuxa Espumante Rosé Bruto
- Cartuxa
- Schaumwein - off dry
- Portugal - Alentejo
- Touriga Nacional
Content: 0.75 Liter (€53.27* / 1 Liter)
The finest sparkling wine from Portugal
The high quality of this sparkling wine is due to a special production process. The most important ingredient is, of course, Portugal's native grape varieties. Portuguese winegrowers like to use the traditional “white trio” of Arinto, Bical, and Maria Gomes for their “Vinho Espumante,” often adding Chardonnay. The famous red “Vinho Espumante” gets its tannin-rich, powerful aroma from Touriga, Maria Gomes, and Baga grapes. You should definitely try it—it is incomparable in its kind. Single-varietal sparkling wine is made from the Gouveio grape, for example
“Vinho Espumante” is given plenty of time to mature
As with champagne, the base wine pressed from the grapes is filled into sparkling wine bottles for the second fermentation. Sugar and yeast are added and the bottle is sealed tightly with a crown cap. Now the wine is given plenty of time to transform into the very special “Vinho Espumante.” Portuguese winemakers allow the wine to ferment for up to 40 months. During this process, the yeast gradually converts the sugar in the grapes into alcohol.
The fine art of sparkling wine production, a sparkling “aha moment”
The fine art of sparkling wine production comes into play when, after a precisely determined storage period, the winemaker begins the process known as “remuage.” This involves gently shaking and swirling the bottles. This process transports the residual yeast to the neck of the bottle, where it is then removed. A Portuguese sparkling wine is “disgorged” at least once, which is the term used to describe the removal of excess yeast residue from the bottle. For the highest quality “Vinho Espumante,” the bottle is even ‘disgorged’ twice by hand. Then the special wine is ready to be enjoyed. Portuguese sparkling wine may not be called champagne, but produced according to the Méthode champenoise, it promises a sparkling “aha experience.”
The Portuguese national dish Leitão
The harsh climate of the Atlantic and the diversity of the mineral soils can be tasted in the sparkling wines from the main growing region of Bairrada in northern Portugal. A variety of delicious “Vinho Espumante” are produced here: white sparkling wines, rosé sparkling wines, and red sparkling wines. The Vinho Verde region is particularly famous for its red sparkling wines. Even if it tastes slightly sour, you should definitely not miss out on it! In Portugal, it is an integral part of a special national dish called Leitão. The dry sparkling wine goes wonderfully with crispy roast suckling pig. This combination is on the menus of many restaurants in the region and has made the red “Vinho Espumante” famous.
“Vinho Espumante” – a delight with many main meals
Have you always believed that sparkling wines are party wines or wines for special occasions? Sure, they are an excellent choice for special events. But let yourself be convinced by the versatility of “Vinho Espumante”! They also go wonderfully with many main meals. Enjoy it with dishes that have nutty and smoky flavors, for example. The nutty and smoky flavors of Portuguese sparkling wine go particularly well with roast goose, a smoked ham sandwich, or roast pork. And the slight creaminess and high acidity add to the harmonious enjoyment. Try it for yourself!