have you heard of Vinho Verde? This wine comes from Portugal and is making a big splash here in the states. It's inexpensive (almost always under $10!) and has a wonderful crisp flavor – perfect for warm evenings in spring and summer.
You’ve probably heard of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Merlot. But have you heard of Vinho Verde? This wine comes from Portugal and is making a big splash here in the states. It's inexpensive (almost always under $10!) and has a wonderful crisp flavor – perfect for warm evenings in spring and summer.
As the name suggests, Vinho Verde is make with green grapes – as in ones that haven’t reached maturity yet. It’s meant to be consumed soon after production as well. “Vinho Verde is not meant for aging or collecting - drink it young to ensure the best quality. Usually it has a slight sparkle, a zing, a fizz, however you want to say it, your tongue will tingle,” says Victoria Levin, General Manager of The Tangled Vine Wine Bar in New York.
Pairing:
So what does this light and refreshing wine go with? “Vinho Verde pairs well with light dishes such as salads, fish and shellfish, chicken, and roasted duck. In addition, the fruity aromas of Vinho Verde also pair well with spicy Oriental cuisine such as Pad Thai curry dishes, and sushi,” says Andrea Davidoff, spokeswoman for the Vinho Verde Wine Commission (CVRVV).
What to look for:
How can you tell which Vinho Verdi falls into the top level category? “Top level Vinho Verde wines are denoted on their label as ‘Denominao de Origem Controlada’ (DOC), similar to a French AOC for the Mdoc or American AVA for Napa Valley,” says Davidoff.
A Few Good Selections: Levin says that difference between prices of Vinho Verde wines is just a few dollars … so you can get a good one without spending a bundle. Here are a few of her suggestions:
1. Encostas do Lima
Levin describes this as “very crisp with loads of citrus and very bright.”
2. Quinta da Aveleda
This award-winner is another of Levin’s suggestions. “A bit different from its peers. The color is almost clear, the nose is superbly tropical with lilacs making a strong appearance, and the palate is rather light, delicate, not as bright and acidic as many, but the tropics certainly carry through from the nose as melon and some papaya tingle towards the finish. Steel certainly lingers, too,” says Levin.
3. Casa de Mouraz
Want something a little bolder? Try this selection. “A good deal bigger than typical vinho verde, with great structure... Organic to boot, another big reason I love it! Long finish, great acidity, which means it will stand up to bigger fish, fish with slightly creamy sauces even, or full flavored salads,” says Levin.
As the name suggests, Vinho Verde is make with green grapes – as in ones that haven’t reached maturity yet. It’s meant to be consumed soon after production as well. “Vinho Verde is not meant for aging or collecting - drink it young to ensure the best quality. Usually it has a slight sparkle, a zing, a fizz, however you want to say it, your tongue will tingle,” says Victoria Levin, General Manager of The Tangled Vine Wine Bar in New York.
Pairing:
So what does this light and refreshing wine go with? “Vinho Verde pairs well with light dishes such as salads, fish and shellfish, chicken, and roasted duck. In addition, the fruity aromas of Vinho Verde also pair well with spicy Oriental cuisine such as Pad Thai curry dishes, and sushi,” says Andrea Davidoff, spokeswoman for the Vinho Verde Wine Commission (CVRVV).
What to look for:
How can you tell which Vinho Verdi falls into the top level category? “Top level Vinho Verde wines are denoted on their label as ‘Denominao de Origem Controlada’ (DOC), similar to a French AOC for the Mdoc or American AVA for Napa Valley,” says Davidoff.
A Few Good Selections: Levin says that difference between prices of Vinho Verde wines is just a few dollars … so you can get a good one without spending a bundle. Here are a few of her suggestions:
1. Encostas do Lima
Levin describes this as “very crisp with loads of citrus and very bright.”
2. Quinta da Aveleda
This award-winner is another of Levin’s suggestions. “A bit different from its peers. The color is almost clear, the nose is superbly tropical with lilacs making a strong appearance, and the palate is rather light, delicate, not as bright and acidic as many, but the tropics certainly carry through from the nose as melon and some papaya tingle towards the finish. Steel certainly lingers, too,” says Levin.
3. Casa de Mouraz
Want something a little bolder? Try this selection. “A good deal bigger than typical vinho verde, with great structure... Organic to boot, another big reason I love it! Long finish, great acidity, which means it will stand up to bigger fish, fish with slightly creamy sauces even, or full flavored salads,” says Levin.
