Vinho Verde Review 

Today is Wine Blog Wednesday, the day in which many wine bloggers post articles on a specific theme. This month’s theme is hosted by Catavino – the source for Iberian Wine Information. 

Regular readers of this blog will know that Jen and I frequently bust out bottles of Vinho Verde on hot afternoons when we need a pick-me-up (which is pretty frequent during the summer in our office). Our absolute favorite is from Broadbent Selections , and we typically buy cases of it each year.  Not only is it a bargain ($9.95 online), but it is low in alcohol (9%), so we can keep working afterwards. I like this wine so much, I had it as the starter wine at my wedding in April, and it was a huge hit.

Vinho Verdes are typically non-vintage and are meant to be consumed quickly while they are still young (“verde” or green) – no problem here! The wines are light and crisp and typically have a slightly effervescent quality. This is caused by the suppression of malolactic fermentation and the addition lf a bit of carbon dioxide before bottling. Vinho Verde is the largest DOC in the cooler and damper Minho region in the northwest corner of the country.

While you may find red Vinho Verdes in Portugal, the crisp and acidic whites are the ones most commonly found outside of Portugal. Chilled Vinho Verde is a great choice all summer long, and pairs well with seafood or spicy Asian food.  Traditionally these refreshingly fruity wines are low in alcohol (8-10%); however, today the makers have been focusing on the quality of the wines and have been producing Vinho Verdes wines with up to 14% alcohol.

he traditional Vinho Verde grapes are: Loureiro, Trajadura and Padernã [ala Arinto]. Broadbent sources its grapes come from the Braga, Barcelos and Guimãraes regions of the Vinho Verde appellation.

Other great Vinho Verdes:

Famous names: Quinta da Aveleda –Vinho Verde

Great values: Muros Antigos, Provam, Muralhas de Monção.

 If you want to learn more about Portuguese Wine, pick up a copy of our WinePassport: Portugual