Arinto grape
Arinto is a white grape known for citrus, apple, mineral. Its best-known homes are Portugal.
Origin and history
An old Portuguese grape, grown in Bucelas north of Lisbon for centuries.
Where it grows
Bucelas, Lisboa, Tejo, Alentejo and Vinho Verde (as Pedernã), plus Bairrada and Dão.
Structure
Light to medium body, high acidity and dry, keeping its freshness even in hot climates.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: lemon, green apple, citrus peel and stone. With age: honey, beeswax, nuts and petrol notes.
Ageing
Most drink within 1–4 years; top Bucelas can age 10–15 years.
Also known as
Pedernã (Vinho Verde), Arinto de Bucelas.
Good to know
Bucelas wines must be at least 75% Arinto; 19th-century English buyers called its wine 'Lisbon hock'.
Arinto wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Branco
Douro Valley · Douro · Rabigato, Viosinho, Arinto
Fresh Douro white from high vineyards: citrus and herbs.
Food: Fish, salads
Quinta da Fonte Souto Branco
Symington's Alentejo white from Portalegre: fresh and mineral.
Food: Pork, fish
Quinta do Vale Meão Meandro Branco
Douro Valley · Douro · Rabigato, Arinto, Viosinho
Douro white with citrus, stone fruit and fresh texture.
Food: Seafood, chicken
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
The Wine Reference newsletter
New wines, stories and career guides, one email a week at most.
Over 18s only. Unsubscribe any time with one click. Your email is stored securely by Kit and never shared.
Support The Wine Reference
This guide is free, with no paywall. If it helped you choose a bottle, you can buy me a glass and keep it growing.
🍷 Buy me a glass