When the weather is hot and I want a refreshing, crisp and light wine, Vinho Verde is my go-to choice. It is so easy to drink, with low alcohol and a slight spritz, so it is a perfect wine for an aperitif or to pair with seafood, salad, chicken, or other lighter dishes.
What is Vinho Verde?
Vinho Verde means “green wine” in Portuguese, but it isn’t green! It means green as in young or new, and most of these wines are bottled very soon (3-6 months) after harvest and are early-drinking wines, within a year or two of harvest.
It is a style of wine that is made in the farthest northwest province of Minho, along the Atlantic and bordering with Galicia, Spain.
Most white Vinho Verde wines are made from Alvarinho, an white indigenous grape, and sometimes can be blends with other native grapes like Loureiro, Arinto, Avesso, Azal, and Trajadura.
What is Vinho Verde Like?
On the nose, Vinho Verde shows a mix of citrus and white flowers. On the palate, Vinho Verde has lovely lemon-lime flavors, notes of grapefruit, along with honeydew melon and pear.
The slightly effervescent sprits in Vinho verde can come as a result of CO2 from fermentation or from adding in a bit of carbonation like in soda. I find it absolutely refreshing and not as bubbly as a sparkling wine. It is usually very light in body and has low alcohol.
Another great thing about Vinho Verde is that it is generally a very reasonably priced wine. I have recently been drinking Arco Nova (see left), which sells for around $10 here in New Hampshire.
What Should I Drink Vinho Verde With?
I usually drink Vinho verde as an aperitif, because I enjoy the light body and crisp acidity, especially when its warm. It is the perfect wine after the beach or pool, or just at the end of the day, relaxing on the patio. For appetizers, cheese, charcuterie or even hummus, pita and veggies makes a nice pairing.
I also find it a nice summer wine to serve with lighter fare. It pairs well with all kinds of seafood, as this wine comes from a coastal Atlantic region and in Europe you will find that wines are created to go well with whatever is the local cuisine. Vinho Verde would be a great choice with sushi, spicy Thai food, or even light Mexican, like fish tacos. It also pairs well with salads, and vegetarian, light chicken, or creamy pasta dishes.
I hope you’ll go to your local wine shop and find a bottle or two of this easy-drinking, well priced wine, perfect for summer. Saude!
