A Sample of Vinho Verde
I mentioned a while back (in ‘A Sample of Portuguese Reds’) that I would post some tasting notes on Portugal’s best known white wines from Vinho Verde.
The name ‘green wine’ might lead you to believe that all Vinho Verde is white wine (as I once did in my early years of wine exploration). In fact, Vinho Verde is an appellation in northern Portugal just west of the Douro region (know for Port) and it does produce some red wines even though its name is practically synonymous with the white wine from that region.
White wines from Vinho Verde are typically very young with bracing acidity, low alcohol, and have a slight effervescence. Aromas of green apple, citrus, and floral notes are characteristic.
2005 Quinta de Azevedo - Sogrape Vinhos
Very light and fresh aromatics: lemon rind, floral, slight herbaciousness (thyme), and light lychee nut. It has the trademark fine fizz and acid with a slightly metallic lemon/apple taste. The zippiness decreases with a little time with fresh apple and mineral lingering in the finish. I read online that it got a sliver medal at a tasting of 2005 V.Verde. Good palate cleanser and value. $11.95 91
2004 Loureiro - Quinta do Ameal
Made from100% Loureiro in the Ponte de Lima sub-appellation this wine is another good example of what Vinho Verde should be. Fresh floral citrus aromatics with green apple and mouthwatering acidity make this wine a great match for seafood or salads. Green tint and a zippy apple finish. $13.20 89
2006 Aliança - Caves Aliança
I’ve includes this wine as an example of what Vinho Verde shouldn’t be. Usually a decent wine this vintage was not very impressive (I’m not completely certain of the vintage as it was nowhere on the bottle, but had 2006 on the selo de garantia). It was boring and flat with apple and pineapple and mild citrus aromas and an unpleasant candied sweetness. Not anywhere near enough of the typical acid, quite insipid. The light fizz makes me think of this as bad pop. Not sure what happened here. $8.25 76
Another reliable Vinho Verde that is almost always available at the LCBO is from Quinta da Aveleda ($8.15), definitely a good introduction. Remember to chill your Vinho Verde well and enjoy!
The name ‘green wine’ might lead you to believe that all Vinho Verde is white wine (as I once did in my early years of wine exploration). In fact, Vinho Verde is an appellation in northern Portugal just west of the Douro region (know for Port) and it does produce some red wines even though its name is practically synonymous with the white wine from that region.
White wines from Vinho Verde are typically very young with bracing acidity, low alcohol, and have a slight effervescence. Aromas of green apple, citrus, and floral notes are characteristic.
2005 Quinta de Azevedo - Sogrape Vinhos
Very light and fresh aromatics: lemon rind, floral, slight herbaciousness (thyme), and light lychee nut. It has the trademark fine fizz and acid with a slightly metallic lemon/apple taste. The zippiness decreases with a little time with fresh apple and mineral lingering in the finish. I read online that it got a sliver medal at a tasting of 2005 V.Verde. Good palate cleanser and value. $11.95 91
2004 Loureiro - Quinta do Ameal
Made from100% Loureiro in the Ponte de Lima sub-appellation this wine is another good example of what Vinho Verde should be. Fresh floral citrus aromatics with green apple and mouthwatering acidity make this wine a great match for seafood or salads. Green tint and a zippy apple finish. $13.20 89
2006 Aliança - Caves Aliança
I’ve includes this wine as an example of what Vinho Verde shouldn’t be. Usually a decent wine this vintage was not very impressive (I’m not completely certain of the vintage as it was nowhere on the bottle, but had 2006 on the selo de garantia). It was boring and flat with apple and pineapple and mild citrus aromas and an unpleasant candied sweetness. Not anywhere near enough of the typical acid, quite insipid. The light fizz makes me think of this as bad pop. Not sure what happened here. $8.25 76
Another reliable Vinho Verde that is almost always available at the LCBO is from Quinta da Aveleda ($8.15), definitely a good introduction. Remember to chill your Vinho Verde well and enjoy!
Labels: Portugal
posted by Jason Zacarias | 10:52 p.m.
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