Vinho Verde wines aren’t actually green, despite what their name might imply to some. They’re “green” in that they are young wines, but even at their tender age, many are very alluring, especially at their price points. Here are a handful that our tasting panel recently enjoyed:
Dom Diogo 2014 Arinto Vinho Verde
Grape(s): 100% Arinto
Region: Basto, Portugal
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
A lively nose of lemon, white peach, and pineapple pulls one into a glass. Citrus, peach, and tropical flavors intermingle on the palate. Trademark effervesces and inviting flavors are sure to please Vinho Verde lovers.
Rating: 90
Arca Nova 2015 Vinho Verde
Grape(s): Loureiro 50%, Arinto 40%, Trajadura 10%
Region: Basto, Portugal
Price: 5-10
Tasting Notes:
Inviting aromas of apples and pears rise up from a glass. Elements of green apple, crisp pear, and tropical fruit emerge on the palate. Refreshing and bright, it’s an ideal aperitif.
Rating: 88
Encostas do Lima 2015 Vinho Verde
Grape(s): 80% Loureiro and 20% Trajadura
Region: Portugal
Price: 5-10
Tasting Notes:
The nose offers a mingling of citrus fruits and peaches with a hint of minerals. A chorus of lime, peach, and tart apple are in harmony on the palate. With it’s crisp and lively character, a grilled white fish, like tilapia, would make a very nice pairing.
Rating: 88
Quinta de Santiago 2015 Alvarinho
Grape(s): 100% Alvarinho
Region: Portugal
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Tropical and stone fruits comprise this wine’s lovely bouquet. A sip brings forth flavors of peach and pineapple, along with traces of apple skin and white blossoms. A wine with compelling flavors and a little bit of roundness on the palate, enjoy a bottle next time you have grilled shrimp.
Rating: 89
Quinta da Lixa 2015 Branco
Grape(s): Loureiro, Trajadura and Alvarinho
Region: Portugal
Price: 5-10
Tasting Notes:
A mix of citrus and tropical fruits come together with accents of white blossoms on the nose. The palate presents with pineapple, mango, and lemon flavors that flow into expressions of orange blossoms and minerals. Bright and approachable, it’s sure to win over plenty of fans.
Rating: 89