Vinho Verde is a Portuguese appellation for a variety of wines made with native regional grapes. The appellation is located in northern Portugal, and it is mainly defined by the Minho river. Verde, which translates as green, does not refer to the color of the wines but to the fact that they are predominantly consumed young.

Another explanation says that the region's lush green landscape was the inspiration. Vinho Verde wines can be red, white, or rosé. Most of these wines are blends, though there are some varietals. The list of permitted grapes is dominated by six varieties: Alvarinho, Arinto, Azal, Avesso, Loureiro, and Trajadura. 

White port is a fortified wine made just like red port—by adding brandy during fermentation—but using white grapes instead of red. The blend most commonly includes native varieties such as Viosinho, Malvasia Fina, Códega, and Rabigato, and it comes as a dry and sweet wine.

White port is mainly intended for early consumption, but oak-aged styles are also common. Most examples will have some amount of residual sugar. Their final character will depend on vinification, but they are generally lighter than red varieties. The aroma is reminiscent of citrus and stone fruit, along with nutty nuances that are usually found in golden, oak-aged styles. 

Encruzado is a white Portuguese variety mostly associated with the Dão DOC. The grape was mostly used in blends, but it has shown great potential for high quality and age-worthy varietal examples that gain complexity and character.

The wines usually have a medium body and good acidity. The aromas are subtle, reminiscent of roses and citrus fruit. They often have a resinous character, hints of toast, and a mineral finish. Although the wines can be enjoyed young, the best examples benefit from aging and usually reach their full potential after three to five years of age. 

Verdelho is a white Portuguese grape that is mostly grown on Madeira Islands, and which is often used in fortified Madeira wines. The grape, dry varietal wines, or blends produced from Verdelho are also common in the Azores, Dão, Spanish Galicia, and some new world wine regions - namely Australia.

Although the style of Verdelho wines may vary depending on the region, the best expressions are typically crisp, soft, full, and refreshing. In Portugal, the wines are usually herbal and mineral with notes of stone fruit, citrus, honeysuckle, and tropical fruit. 

Arinto is a grape variety that most likely comes from Bucelas, Lisbon. The grape is cultivated in several wine regions, but it mostly became associated with Bucelas and Vinho Verde. It is used for dry and sparkling styles, including varietals and blends.

Though most wines are enjoyed young, they have good aging potential. The wines are usually crisp, fresh, and bright, with high acidity and aromas reminiscent of green apples and citrus fruit. The maritime influence in Bucelas will also give these wines a mineral character and some saline notes. 

Fernão Pires is a white grape native to Portugal that is mostly associated with the wine regions of Tejo (Ribatejo) and Bairrada (where it is known as Maria Gomes). The grape is used in either varietals or blends, and it is also suitable for the production of sparkling and dessert wines.

The best expressions of the grape produce highly aromatic dry wines that will usually display floral and fruity aromas reminiscent of roses and citrus fruit such as lime, lemon, orange, and mandarins. These wines are best enjoyed young, and they are best paired with fish, poultry, or pork. 

Loureiro is a white grape variety mainly cultivated in Portugal. It is one of the most common grapes used in the production of the legendary Portuguese Vinho Verde. Some amount is also found in Spanish Galicia, where it is known as Loureira.

Although the grape is primarily used in Vinho Verde blends, there are some varietal examples. Loureiro wines are fresh, aromatic, low in alcohol, and high in acidity. The aromas are usually citrusy and floral, often reminiscent of lime, orange blossom, acacia, peach, and apples. 

Bucelas is a small Portuguese wine region (DOC) located just north of Lisbon that produces white wines mainly from the native Arinto variety. Some claim that the wine has been produced here since the ancient Romans and Phoenicians, but it gained international popularity during the Elizabethan and Victorian ages.

Nowadays, the production is small, largely focused on dry white wines, with a small number of sparkling styles. The wines are light, pale yellow, and usually high in acidity. They have a fruity aroma that is reminiscent of citrus fruit and green apples. 

Sercial is a white Portuguese grape variety best known for its use in dry Madeira wines. The term Sercial is also used for this particular style of Madeira wine. The origin of the variety remains unclear, but it is most likely a native Portuguese grape.

Sercial is finicky to grow and its plantings on Madeira are limited. The main characteristic of Sercial is its high acidity. The wines can be slightly harsh when young, but they have excellent aging potential. They are aromatic, crisp, and citrusy.

As they age, they attain a distinctive nutty aroma and remain lively and bright.