Before setting up this eponymous label, Marcio Lopes worked with the Vinho Verde maestro, Anselmo Mendes, where he gained experience (a euphemism for “learned where the best grapes were”) in the sub-regions of Monção, Melgaço, Amarante and Ponte de Lima. This Loureiro comes from the last-named and is a more ‘serious’ expression of Vinho Verde, eschewing the simple, spritzy style that over-populates the shelves in favour of a wine with more concentration and palate weight. It displays Loureiro’s classic ‘bay leaf’ note (etymologically: laurus > loureiro > laurel > bay leaf) as well as white-fleshed fruits, grapefruit pith, chalk and white flowers. 12% alc. Unoaked. Drink now-2027. Organic (uncertified)

Press review:

The Wine Advocate: “The entry-level 2023 Pequenos Rebentos Loureiro is produced from the free-run juice of grapes from Ponte de Lima, Braga and Barcelos, averaging 20 years of age, quite old for the Vinho Verde zone. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. It's young, varietal, fresh and clean with a more austere, granite-driven palate. It has contained ripeness, 12% alcohol and very good freshness. Drink now-2028.“ 90 points