Red grapeSommo grape guide

Vinhao (Sousao)

Vinhao (Sousao) wine guide: what this red grape tastes like, where it comes from, the regions that grow it, and what to eat with it.

Colour
Red
Body
Light
Origin
Portugal
Top region
Minho
3
Key regions
3
Pairings
12
Synonyms

Vinhao (Sousao) is a red grape variety, and it traces back to Minho, Portugal.

Structurally it lands at light body, medium-low tannin, medium-high acidity, dry and medium alcohol.

Look for red berries, blackberries, cherries, floral and spicy.

The regions that matter for it are Minho, Douro and Galicia.

In the vineyard it is marked by late ripening, medium vigour and a preference for moderate climates.

It blends readily with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Alfrocheiro.

Watch for the synonyms: Sousao, Souzao, Souson and Tinto Nacional.

At the table it suits grilled sardines, chicken in spicy tomato sauce and steak sandwich with caramelized onion.

The structure.

Body
Light
Tannin
Medium-low
Acidity
Medium-high
Sweetness
Dry
Alcohol
Medium
Flavours
red berriesblackberriescherries
Aromas
floralspicy
Styles
light redVinho Verde

Where it grows.

Blends well with.

Food pairings.

01 Grilled sardines
02 Chicken in spicy tomato sauce
03 Steak sandwich with caramelized onion

Also labelled.

Sousao, Souzao, Souson, Tinto Nacional, Tinto Antigo, Negrao, Negrao Pe de Perdiz, Espadeiro da Tinta, Espadeiro Basto, Espadeiro Preto, Tinto da Parada, Pinta Femea.

Bottles to look for.

  • 100 Hectares Sousao, Douro, Portugal
  • Adega Ponte da Barca 'Estreia' Vinhao Reserva, Vinho Verde, Portugal
  • Ailala Tinto, Ribeiro, Spain
  • Aphros 'Pan' Espumante Rose, Vinho Verde, Portugal
  • Aphros 'Yakkos' Grande Reserva Espumante Tinto, Vinho Verde, Portugal
  • Aphros Silenus, Vinho Verde, Portugal
  • Aphros Vinhao Tinto, Vinho Verde, Portugal
  • Bodegas y Vinedos Attis Souson Tinto Atlantico, Rias Baixas, Spain

Vinhao (Sousao): common questions

01.
What does Vinhao (Sousao) taste like?
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Vinhao (Sousao) tastes of red berries, blackberries, cherries, floral and spicy. Structurally it lands at light body, medium-low tannin, medium-high acidity, dry and medium alcohol.
02.
Where is Vinhao (Sousao) from?
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Vinhao (Sousao) originates in Minho, Portugal.
03.
Where is Vinhao (Sousao) grown?
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The key regions for Vinhao (Sousao) are Minho, Douro and Galicia.
04.
What food pairs with Vinhao (Sousao)?
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Pour it with grilled sardines, chicken in spicy tomato sauce and steak sandwich with caramelized onion.
05.
What else is Vinhao (Sousao) called?
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Vinhao (Sousao) is also labelled Sousao, Souzao, Souson, Tinto Nacional and Tinto Antigo, plus seven more.

Keep going: the A to Z grape index, or the wine regions of Portugal.

Grapes in the app

Scan a Vinhao (Sousao),
see what is in your glass.

Sommo reads the label, names the grape and the region, and files the tasting note where you will find it again.