Among the countless grape varieties grown in Portugal, the Arinto variety stands out as the true ambassador of Portuguese white wines.

Found from the north to the south of the country, this variety owes its success to its firm and intense acidity, which stands out as its main calling card. Despite its discreet aromatic presence, it produces wines that are true hymns to freshness.

In this article, we'll explore the particularities of Arinto, understand what sets it apart from other grape varieties and discover the types of wine it can create.

And so that you can be sure whether or not you've come across Arinto at some point in your life, we'll also share with you some interesting facts about this well-known grape variety.

Arinto grapes are compact, yellowish in colour and made up of small berries. Its most notable characteristics include the following:

> Lively acidity:

The vibrant and accentuated acidity is one of Arinto's trademarks. This natural characteristic of the grape gives the wines an unrivalled freshness, making them lively, intense and pleasantly crisp.

> Citrus and mineral aromas:

Arinto's aromatic profile usually brings out obvious mineral notes, accompanied by soft citrus aromas such as lime, lemon and apple.

Aromatically, it has a relatively discreet presence. Instead of exuberance, this grape variety offers liveliness and freshness, which come through brilliantly in a glass of wine.

> Longevity:

The aforementioned acidity is also responsible for the remarkable ageing potential the variety gives to the wines it produces, allowing them to age well and develop elegance and complexity over time.

Arinto's distinction from other grape varieties can be attributed to several factors:

1. Adaptability:

Its ability to adapt to all types of soils and environments makes Arinto a popular choice among winemakers. In regions like the Douro, where the climate can be extreme, this variety stands out for its resilience.

2. Balance and freshness:

Arinto's balanced acidity provides a freshness that is hard to find in other Portuguese white grape varieties. This characteristic is particularly valued in hot regions, where freshness is essential and where the variety manages to retain its natural acidity. For this reason, it is often used in conjunction with other varieties, with the mission of bringing a certain joy and vivacity to blends.

3. Oenological versatility:

Very versatile, Arinto can be used to produce a wide range of wine styles, from young, fresh whites, to more complex ones - the so-called winter whites - and even sparkling wines.

4. Stimulating creativity:

The plasticity of winemaking combined with its ability to bring balance and freshness mean that Arinto is seen as a stimulating variety by winemakers, as it allows them to explore their creativity and express the diversity of the various Portuguese regions in white wines.

- Arinto is a grape variety of national origin. It was born in Bucelas, near Lisbon, where it is considered the region's ‘queen’ grape variety.

- Its presence spread throughout the country, giving the variety different names depending on the region in which it was grown. In the Vinho Verde region it is known as Pedernã, but it also goes by the names Chapeludo, Azal Espanhol, Azal Galego or Pé de Perdiz Branco, among others.

- It is one of the oldest grape varieties in Portugal, having already been identified in some studies dating back to the 18th century.

- In addition to Portugal, Arinto is beginning to gain some global presence, having already been planted in other parts of the world, such as Australia, where it has shown great potential.

Did you know that the Arinto variety has also found a cosy home in the Douro?

Encouraged by its unique characteristics, at Sogevinus we have explored the profile of this grape variety, bringing it together with other local white varieties such as Viosinho, Folgazão and Rabigato, to take the expression of the Douro terroir to a new level.

See below our wines containing the Arinto grape variety.