Carneiro 'Luz' Rosé Blend 2024
A beautifully fresh and vibrant rosé from the mountainous Basto subregion of Vinho Verde, combining juicy summer fruit, delicate effervescence and a rather lovely family story behind its name.
Carneiro Luz Rosé comes from the picturesque village of Atei, near Mondim de Basto, where the Carneiro family produces wines that celebrate their homeland. Made from Tinta Roriz, Vinhão and Amaral, three traditional Portuguese red varieties, this refreshing rosé brings together expressive fruit, lively acidity and the distinctive character of northern Portugal.
At just 10.5% ABV, it's wonderfully light and easy-drinking. Expect aromas of ripe strawberry, watermelon and fresh red berries, with delicate hints of citrus. On the palate, it's crisp and refreshing, with bright acidity, juicy fruit and a gentle spritz that makes it particularly enjoyable on a warm afternoon.
Meet the grapes behind the blend
Three traditional Portuguese red varieties, each bringing something different to this beautifully refreshing rosé.
Tinta Roriz – The Fruit
Known as Aragonez in southern Portugal and Tempranillo across the border in Spain, Tinta Roriz is one of the Iberian Peninsula's most celebrated red grapes.
It typically brings ripe strawberry, cherry and plum flavours, alongside subtle spice and a rounded mouthfeel. In rosé, its bright red fruit character helps create a wonderfully approachable, fruity style.
Vinhão – The Freshness
Vinhão is one of Vinho Verde's most distinctive indigenous red varieties, famous for its incredibly deep colour and vibrant acidity.
Unlike most red grapes, which have colourless juice, Vinhão is a teinturier variety, meaning its flesh and juice also contain red pigments.
Its naturally high acidity and lively blackberry and sour cherry character bring wonderful freshness and energy to the blend.
Amaral – The Structure
Also known as Caiño Bravo across the border in Galicia, Amaral is a traditional northern Portuguese variety particularly associated with Vinho Verde.
It's celebrated for its naturally high acidity, vibrant red fruit and distinctive herbal character. Although less widely planted than many other Portuguese grapes, it contributes freshness and structure to blends.
Together, these three varieties create a lovely balance of Tinta Roriz's juicy fruit, Vinhão's vibrant acidity and Amaral's refreshing structure.
Why is it called Luz?
This is one of the loveliest stories behind the Carneiro wines.
Luz means "light" in Portuguese, and for Cristiana Carneiro, the name carries two particularly personal meanings.
The first is the extraordinary golden light that falls across the Basto countryside, illuminating its mountains, vineyards and valleys as the sun begins to set.
Cristiana has spoken about how the beauty of that light gives her goosebumps, and she wanted to capture something of that feeling in her wines.
But there's another reason.
Luz is also the name of Cristiana and Alberto's daughter.
For a family winery so deeply connected to its home and heritage, it feels like the perfect name. And there's something particularly fitting about enjoying a glass of Luz Rosé with family and friends as the sun sets.
What makes Basto special?
Basto is the most inland subregion of Vinho Verde, where the lush green landscapes of northern Portugal begin to meet the rugged mountains of Trás-os-Montes.
Unlike the cooler, wetter coastal vineyards, Basto experiences colder winters and warmer, drier summers, allowing grapes to develop ripe, expressive fruit while maintaining the refreshing acidity for which Vinho Verde is famous.
The region's predominantly granite soils, mountainous surroundings and the influence of the Tâmega River create distinctive growing conditions.
It's a fascinating part of Vinho Verde, capable of producing everything from crisp, aromatic whites to beautifully refreshing rosés and deeply coloured traditional reds.
About Carneiro Family Wines
Carneiro Family Wines is a small, family-run winery in Atei, in the Basto subregion of Vinho Verde, established by husband-and-wife team Alberto and Cristiana Carneiro.
Although neither originally came from a professional winemaking background, their connection to the family's ancestral home inspired them to return to Atei and dedicate themselves to producing wines that celebrate their heritage.
Today, Alberto is responsible for the vineyards while Cristiana oversees winemaking, ensuring the family's involvement extends from growing the grapes to the finished bottle.
Family is at the heart of everything they do, and that connection is reflected throughout their wines.
Their Luz range celebrates their daughter and the beautiful light of Basto, while Tordo takes inspiration from a bird associated with their three children. The Foral de Atei range pays tribute to the village's history, including its royal charter granted in 1514.
The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture and vegan-friendly winemaking, working with traditional Portuguese grape varieties to create wines that reflect their distinctive surroundings.
Each bottle tells a story of family, heritage and the remarkable diversity of northern Portugal.
Aroma: Strawberry · Watermelon · Red Berries · Citrus
Palate: Dry · Light-bodied · Juicy · Vibrant Acidity · Gentle Spritz · Refreshing Finish
Pair with: Grilled shrimp · Seafood rice · Fresh salads · Grilled fish · Sushi · Roast chicken · Summer vegetables
