Think Green with Vinho Verde

Now that summer is almost here and the warm weather seems to want to stay, let me evangelize about a perfect wine for the season. Vinho Verde is an aromatic Portuguese white that’s crisp and refreshing as well as refreshingly affordable. And, it has less alcohol than most wines. That delicate blend of attributes makes Vinho Verde a supreme summer sipper.

Pronunciation is deceptive, though. Verde is not pronounced the Spanish way, “Vair –day,” but Portuguese style, “Vaird,” where the “e” is swallowed. That’s a sticking point for this California girl, but at least I’ve mastered the “Veen-yo” part.

Speaking of unpronounceable, roll these varietals around your mouth: Loureiro, Azal Branco, Arinto, Trajadura, Alvarinho. Those are just a few of the grapes used in Vinho Verde but fortunately you won’t be quizzed on them later.

The words, Vinho Verde does translate to “green wine,” but don’t break it out on St. Patrick’s Day. No one will make the connection since the color generally ranges from pale yellow to pail water. Verde means green as in young and naïve. The only green you actually see is what stays in your wallet.

Ok, semantics aside, here is what I love about Vinho Verde. It has a delightfully zesty quality from a certain amount of frizzante, called pétillance. In the old days, Vinho Verde bottles contained bits of unfermented yeast that fermented in heated transit and created tiny bubbles. The effect was an accident, but since it became associated with the wine, producers now use modern methods to re-create the pétillance. Overall, winemaking has improved in the Mingo region, prompting the wine world to finally appreciate this vibrant wine.

The Azul Portugal 2007 Vinho Verde has a fleshy nose of green apple and citrus, with those flavours following on a lively palate that leads to a clean, dry finish. Clocking in at 12%, this wine is perfect for a delicate white fish dish, sushi, or with something laden with salsa. Or, solo.

Arca Nova makes a 2007 Vinho Verde Rosé that looks quite stunning in a perspiring glass. It offers lovely strawberry and cherry aromas, with berries and hints of white pepper on a frizzante mouth. Only 11% boozy, I can see it with spicy food, cold tomato dishes or eggplant anything. Chill well.

Vinho Verde’s fresh mouthfeel, low alcohol and good acidity make it eminently quaffable out on the patio. And, it’s not a bad breakfast wine either.