Gouveio

Gouveio is a white grape variety native to Portugal, primarily cultivated in the Douro Valley and Alentejo regions. Known for producing fresh, lively wines, Gouveio features bright acidity and a medium to full body, often with citrus aromas complemented by notes of peach and aniseed.

Historically, it was mistakenly identified as Verdelho in the Douro, though it is distinct from the Verdelho grape of Madeira. The grape ripens early, yielding tightly packed yellow-green bunches, but is susceptible to oidium and vulnerable to rain during harvest.

In Spain, Gouveio is known as Godello and thrives in regions like Galicia. Its adaptability to Portugal’s diverse microclimates and soils enables the production of wines that balance refreshing acidity with rich texture. Gouveio is used in both dry white wines and as a component in White Port, with its wines valued for their balance and aging potential, often developing greater complexity over time.