Códega

Códega is an indigenous white grape variety traditionally cultivated in Portugal's renowned Douro and Vinho Verde wine regions. This ancient Portuguese grape variety, also known as Códega do Larinho in certain sub-regions, produces fresh and aromatic white wines that authentically express the unique Portuguese terroir. Códega wines are distinguished by their vibrant acidity, pronounced citrus notes, and distinctive mineral profile that reflects the schistous soils of the Douro's steep vineyard slopes. In the demarcated Douro region, Códega is frequently used in blends for producing dry white wines and sparkling wines, contributing freshness and elegance to traditional assemblages. Its cultivation extends to the Vinho Verde appellation, where the grape adds acidic structure and aromatic complexity to the region's characteristic blends. Portuguese winemakers prize this variety for its ability to retain natural acidity even in warmer climates, making it a strategic choice for sustainable viticulture practices. The finest Códega examples showcase aromas of lemon, green apple, and white flowers, evolving into more complex notes of dried fruits and minerality with aging. This Portuguese grape variety adapts exceptionally well to the granitic and schistous soils of Northern Portugal's wine regions, producing wines with excellent aging potential and a unique identity within the Portuguese wine landscape. For wine enthusiasts seeking to explore Portugal's indigenous grape varieties, Códega represents an authentic and representative choice of the country's national winemaking heritage and tradition.