Everything About Espadeiro Grape

Spelling Icon "es-pah-DAY-roh"
Sparkling Wine Category InactiveLight-Bodied White Wine Category InactiveFull-Bodied White Wine Category InactiveAromatic White Wine Category InactiveRose Wine Category ActiveLight-Bodied Red Wine Category ActiveMedium-Bodied Red Wine Category InactiveFull-Bodied Red Wine Category InactiveDessert Wine Category Inactive

Description Icon Espadeiro Description

Origin: Minho, Portugal
History: Espadeiro is a red grape variety indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula, primarily cultivated in Portugal's Minho region for the production of Vinho Verde wines. It has been cultivated in the wine-growing regions of northern Portugal and Spain since the 18th century. In Galicia, Spain, it was the predominant red variety in the Val do Salnés (Rías Baixas D.O.) until the 1980s, when the more profitable Albariño grape replaced many red grape vineyards. Recently, several wineries have embarked on its recovery.
Appearance: Medium-sized, dark-skinned berries forming compact clusters.
Growing Traits: Espadeiro is a vigorous vine that adapts well to granitic soils, tolerates humidity, winds, and is not sensitive to diseases. It is a late-ripening, high-yielding variety that produces light red or rosé wines.
Food Pairing Icon Food Pairing
Espadeiro's high acidity and red fruit flavors make it an excellent match for seafood, light salads, and fresh cheeses. It pairs particularly well with grilled fish, sushi, and dishes featuring tomato-based sauces. Its crispness also complements spicy Asian cuisine, balancing heat with refreshing acidity.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Light-bodied with a fresh and vibrant profile, emphasizing its high acidity and red fruit flavors. Typically dry, focusing on its natural acidity and fruitiness with minimal residual sugar. Low tannin levels, resulting in a smooth and approachable palate. High acidity, providing a zesty and invigorating character, making it suitable for rosé and light red wine production. Low to moderate alcohol content, typically ranging between 10% and 12%, ensuring a light and refreshing wine.
Strawberry Taste Note Strawberry
Cherry Taste Note Cherry
Raspberry Taste Note Raspberry
Herbal Taste Note Herbal
Floral Taste Note Floral
Espadeiro wines are characterized by bright red fruit flavors, such as strawberry, cherry, and raspberry, complemented by subtle herbal and floral notes. The high acidity provides a crisp and refreshing finish, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a zesty and invigorating rosé or light red wine.
Regions
[object Object] Region
Portugal
•Minho
•Vinho Verde
[object Object] Region
Spain
•Galicia
•Rías Baixas
Notable Wines and Producers
Attis Espadeiro
•Attis Bodegas y Viñedos
Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde Rosé
•Quinta da Raza
Espadeiro Rosé
•Adega de Monção

Espadeiro FAQ

Minho, Portugal

Espadeiro has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Espadeiro is Moderate to Light bodied.

Espadeiro has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Espadeiro is Dry.

Minho, Portugal

Espadeiro is grown in Portugal (Minho, Vinho Verde)Spain (Galicia, Rías Baixas).

Espadeiro wines are characterized by bright red fruit flavors, such as strawberry, cherry, and raspberry, complemented by subtle herbal and floral notes. The high acidity provides a crisp and refreshing finish, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a zesty and invigorating rosé or light red wine.

Espadeiro's high acidity and red fruit flavors make it an excellent match for seafood, light salads, and fresh cheeses. It pairs particularly well with grilled fish, sushi, and dishes featuring tomato-based sauces. Its crispness also complements spicy Asian cuisine, balancing heat with refreshing acidity.

Espadeiro wines are characterized by bright red fruit flavors, such as strawberry, cherry, and raspberry, complemented by subtle herbal and floral notes. The high acidity provides a crisp and refreshing finish, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a zesty and invigorating rosé or light red wine.