Vital

A traditional Lisboa white whose balance is sensitive to site, picking and handling in the cellar.

Aromatic palette

young fruit varies by wine

acidityCan need a fresher blending partner

tanninLow without extended skin contact

bodyUsually moderate

alcoholDepends on ripeness and wine style

Vital is a grape name, not a synonym for Vinho Leve or a guarantee of low alcohol.

Wind-tolerant but vulnerable to drought and bunch rot; site water balance matters.

Portugal

A traditional regional white variety used in blends and selected varietal wines.

Structure

Use the individual wine’s acidity, body and sweetness to refine the grape reference.

At the table

Serve chilled; allow fuller or mature examples to warm slightly in the glass.

Must can oxidise readily; careful handling or complementary blending shapes the result.

Serve chilled; allow fuller or mature examples to warm slightly in the glass.

Match acidity and texture to fish, vegetables or poultry; account for sauce and oak.