Vinho verde, the Portuguese white wine, is almost, in the right light, green. It's often spritzy and can even be sweet. But it is cheap, usually $8 or less, and it somehow always tastes better than it should. So don't discount vinho verde -- and especially if it's a long, hot summer with too many traffic jams and cranky bosses.
Our vinho verde primer is here and last year's review is here. Keep in mind that several companies control the market, often selling the same wine under different labels. My retailer, in fact, had four vinho verdes this year, including one for $12, but all four were made by just two producers.
I bought the Caves de Cerca Famega ($7, purchased), which was one of the best-made vinho verdes I've had in years. It wasn't as soft drink fizzy as so many others, and it had more fruit (lime?) and less sweetness. Don't worry, though, because it's still light and sweetish, with just 10 percent alcohol. It's just not as cloying as vinho verde can be.
This is wine for people who want a glass when they get home from work but don't want to consult their wine oracle about what to drink. Which, actually, is something we should all do more often.
Always a winner for summer gatherings, and very easy on the budget.
Posted by: bburnsey | July 20, 2011 at 11:51 PM
Having a little Nobilo Green right now. Actually quite nice after working outside most of the day.
Posted by: Jeff | July 30, 2011 at 06:15 PM