Sem Igual means “without equal”, a name chosen to define a Vinho Verde made differently from the popular fizzy and sweet style. Since 1910, the Arrochela e Camizao family has been producing their distinctive style of Vinho Verde in the subregion of Amarante and Sousa.
Today, 4th generation winemaker Joao Camizao has taken the helm while continuing to preserve their tradition of creating unconventional Vinho Verde – made with local grapes but non-fizzy, full-bodied, extremely dry with great acidity and ageability.
This movement is aided by the favourable soils and climate of this region. There are about 10 hectares of mostly young vineyards planted in gravelly soils with a layer of granite between 220 and 280 meters deep. The traditional native grape varieties planted here are Arinto and Azal, both of which tend to thrive in the cooler conditions of the Minho Valley (where the DOC is located).
After the grapes are harvested into small boxes, they are brought to the winery where they undergo a short (8–10 days) fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Only minimal sulfur is added and they are not filtered. Production quantities of Sem Igual's wines are tiny and their goal has always been to grow at a healthy, sustainable pace while always remaining focused on their mission.
