It Starts With A Grape

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I wish i could tell you exactly what grapes went into making this refreshing Portuguese white, but the most I could find on its contents was its made with white varietals native to the Beiras region in Portugal. That being said…it is an enticing shade of golden hay, with interestingly thick, long legs. There’s fresh granny smith apples on the nose, accompanied by prickly pear, hay, thyme and white pepper. Right off the bat it fills your mouth with its creamy texture, but transitions quickly to a more mineralistic, crisp white. It showcases flavors of red tea, papaya and fresh squeezed lemon, with a finish made of slate and lemongrass. I would recommend that you don’t serve this one super chilled, it was only once that it came down in temp a little that it really opened up. This peculiar white would pair famously with hearty white fish in a light lemon and herb sauce, or simply done crab legs with lemon-butter sauce and a side of rice pilaf.

Ah, the delightfully inexpensive Vinho Verde…Traditionally Vinho Verdes are slightly effervescent, as is this one. This is a light bodied white wine with plenty of character. Its aromas are fairly vegetative, (think fresh cut grass), and earthy. Yet its also citrussy, with floral notes. Its initially almost sour, but pleasantly so, with plenty of tannin. Citrus, lemon in particular, is definitely the theme of this wine, however the are noticeable hints of green apple. Its nicely rounded around the edges, and would be particularly enjoyable on a hot summer day. It will pair well with most any Thai dish, or a lightly seasoned white fish.