2021 Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde, Portugal, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$12.00USD

This is a slightly spritzy wine from northwest Portugal.  It is a bit unique for Vinho Verde as it is 100% Laureiro grapes.  Straw colored with just a bit of smallish bubbles showing at the rim, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with a slight floral note, limes and lots of minerality.  Light bodied with a bit of a spritz still showing.  Crisp acidity.  On the palate, flavors of limes and slight tangerines with underlying minerality.  Nice finish.  This is very refreshing on its own but is also very food friendly with lighter food.  Soft chesses or Quiche would be nice for brunch or lunch.

2019 Vidigal Vinho Verde, Portugal, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$7.00USD

This is a blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, and 30% Trajadura grapes that checks in a 9.5% ABV.  It is a light and delightful white wine that makes an easy start to the evening.  Light silvery gold in color.  The nose has minerals, limes, and slight honeydew.  A slight effervescence.  Very slight oily texture.  Nice acidity.  This probably should be drunk now to enjoy the spritz and vitality.  It drinks well on its own and will work with lighter salads and seafood.  

NV Orlana Vinho Verde Rosé, Portugal, Wine Review

Score: 
72
Grade: 
C-
Current Price: 
$8.00USD

This is an inexpensive Rose that will not be for everyone.  It is sweet and easy and drinks best cold.  Deeper salmon pink in color.  The nose is like watermelon candy.  On the palate, this is like strawberry powdered kids drink.  It is very sweet.  Slightly viscous.  Probably a difficult food match.  For your friends who like sweet pink wines this is an alternative.  Normally, vinho verde has some spritz to it but, at least this bottle, lacked that quality.  

2017 Caiu a Noite Vinho Verde, Portugal, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Light silvery gold in color.  The nose has some lemon/lime but is mostly mineral driven.  On the palate, there is a nice spritz to this.  Drinking well right now.  Very food friendly but nothing heavy.  This retail for around $8 which is a nice value.  

2017 Adega Coop. de Ponte de Lima Vinho Verde Colheita Seleccionada, Portugal

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Light golden in color.  A nice spritz on pouring.  Deeper nose.  All about minerality and crushed shells.  On the palate, there is a slight spritz.  Minerals.  Very dry lemon-lime notes.  Quite food friendly.  Would work great with seafood.  Nice finish.  This really does beg for food.  This retails for under $12 which is a good value.  

2017 Encosta do Xisto – Vinho Verde Loureiro, Portugal

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B+

This is made from the Loureito grape.  Green/silvery/gold in color.  The nose is steely with a nice lemony quality.  Just a bit of tropical fruit.  On the palate, this is slightly oily.  Light bodied.  Good acidity.  Just the faintest bit of spritz on it, especially the finish.  This retails for under $10 and is a great value.  Perfect for sipping before dinner or with lighter foods.  Drink in the next year or two.  

Portugal’s Vinho Verde Region: The Best of the Best

The irony of Portugal is that, though wine has been made here for centuries, most wine drinkers cannot name a single grape from the region, with the exception of port. When one hears Portugal, one tends to think of port wines and the city of Porto. But Portugal has varied wine regions within its coastal influences. Among white wines, it is broadly known as the Vinho Verde region.

Vinho Verde: Portugal's Largest Wine Region

The first thing you should know about Portugal's Vinho Verde wine region is that the name, which translates to "green wine," doesn't describe the color of the wine produced here. Instead, the name refers to the tradition of drinking Vinho Verde wines while they are young. In fact, the worst thing you can do to a Vinho Verde wine is save it for next year.