Originally demarcated on September 18th 1908, the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes extends throughout the northwest of Portugal, in the area traditionally known as Entre-Douro-e-Minho.
Its limits are to the North the Minho River, which establishes part of the border with Spain, to the South the Douro River and the mountains of Freita, Arada and Montemuro, to the East the mountains of Peneda, Gerês, Cabreira and Marão and to the West the Atlantic Ocean.
In terms of geographical area it is the largest Portuguese Demarcated Region, and one of the largest in Europe. (Source: vinhoverde.pt)
Located in the interior of the region, the sub-region of Amarante has a mostly granite soil, is protected from the Atlantic influence and at a high average altitude, so that the temperature ranges are higher than the average for the region and the summer is hotter. These conditions favor the development of some later maturing grape varieties: Azal and Avesso (white), Amaral and Espadeiro (red). The white wines usually have fruity aromas and a higher alcohol content than the average of the Region.