It may be September and Summer is winding down, but it’s still hot outside and it’s still a good time to enjoy some light, crisp white wines like Vinho Verde from Portugal. If you like really, really light white wines this may be a style for you to check out. We took advantage of the warm weather this week to sip on a couple different ones.
2011 Cruzeiro Vinho Verde
Citrus and mineral are all that I really get from the nose of this wine. The palate is equally austere, showing some tart lemon flavor alongside mineral characteristics, such as stones and salt. The acidity is good and it has a nice, dry mouthfeel. The finish is all mineral.
This isn’t a wine that’s going to excite everyone, but it has its place. If you like rich tropical fruit flavors in your wine, this isn’t for you. But if you want something clean, simple and refreshing on a hot summer day, you might dig this wine.
Wine: Cruzeiro Vinho Verde
Variety: Vinho Verde
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 9%
Rating: 84
Price: $10.00
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2011 Terras de Felgueiras Vinho Verde
This Vinho Verde doesn’t show a lot of fruit on the nose, although it does have a hint of melon and citrus. Otherwise, the aromatics are all mineral. The palate is a similar story. It’s bone dry with a slight, frizzante-style sparkle and the fruit is faint, basically showing some light citrus and apple. But fruit is not what this wine is about. The palate here has bold mineral qualities that come off as slightly salty. And although the citrus flavor is subtle, the acidity is quite crisp. And when you put that crisp acidity together with the frizzante bubbles, the mouth feel is superb.
This is a really light wine and good for sipping on a hot summer day. It would be good with some ripe strawberries too.
Wine: Terras de Felgueiras Vinho Verde
Variety: Vinho Verde
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 11%
Rating: 86
Price: $6.00
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Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.