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.

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.  

2016 Aliança Vinho Verde, Portugal, Wine review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Vinho Verdes provide crisp, refreshing wines at minimal costs.  They aren't made to last so buy them young.  This one was being closed out at $8 and that is a great price but drink them this summer as they are already starting to fade a bit.  Light golden in color.  The nose is steely with some tropical fruit.  Actually, gooseberries is pretty accurate along with a bit of mango.  On the palate, there is a bit of a sweet/sour thing going on.  Some residual sugar with tart acidity.  As is typical, there is a slight spritz to it.  It lacks a bit of that bright freshness that was probably prese