One of Portugal’s most distinctive contributions to the vinous landscape is its fresh, prickly and low in alcohol vinho verde. If there is a wine more suited to mid-summer’s blistering hot days and muggy evenings, I have yet to find it. Pronounced “veen-yo vaird”, this light white wine takes its name from a region of lush, green valleys in northwest Portugal and is made from grape varieties such as alvarinho, whose thick skins are suited to the region’s damp weather; loureiro, which gives lovely floral aromas; and trajadura, which imparts a citrussy character.
The wines are predominantly dry, with the best examples enjoying a slight spritz on the finish. Traditionally the region produced mostly red wine but in recent years it has been the whites that have dazzled with their thrilling acidity. Vinho verde means green wine — a reference to their youthful, vibrant style as opposed to their colour, which is often as pale as water. They have a lot in common with the salty tang you can taste in good muscadet, sauvignon blanc, picpoul de pinet and dry riesling. However, they are often much easier on the wallet — you can find great examples under £10.
Vinho verde is the perfect foil to anything from the sea, including sea bass, oily fish such as mackerel and shellfish, particularly crab, prawns and oysters. But you could also happily pair it with chicken, pork, summer salads or seaside fish and chips.
In summer vinho verde comes into its own with its lowish alcohol (between 9 and 11 per cent) and its slight prickle across the tongue, which makes it very drinkable. Try Laithwaites lemony and fresh 2024 Lavagante Vinho Verde (£9.99) or Majestic’s 2024 Chosen By Vinho Verde (£8.50), with its floral aromas, crunchy apple flavours and slight spritz on the finish.
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NV Torre de Lapela (9.5%)
Asda, £5.50
This light, uncomplicated vinho verde is simple, fresh and fruity, with a gentle citrus character and slight spritz. Astonishing value.
2024 Blueprint (10%)
Waitrose, £7.25
A crisp, zesty white with vibrant apple and a refreshing pétillant sparkle on the finish. Pair with simple salads and seafood.
2024 M&S Classics No.7 (10%)
Marks & Spencer, £7.50
A dry blend of the loureiro, arinto and trajadura grapes, with flavours of white fruit and floral aromas. Serve with tapas.
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2024 Quinta do Ameal Bico Amarelo (11%)
The Wine Society, £8.75
This award-winning wine has a shot of lemon on the nose, tropical fruit flavours and a hint of lime.
2024 Bowl Grabber (11%)
Ocado, £9.25
Light, zesty and dangerously easy to drink, this combines a slight spritz with a mouthwatering purity giving way to a long, saline finish.
2024 Casal de Ventozela Arinto (10.5%)
Majestic, £9.50
This wine has a slight spritz and a mouth-filling depth of flavour that combines apple fruit with white pepper.
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Bargain of the week
2023 Taste the Difference Côtes de Provence Rosé
France (12%)
Sainsbury’s, £9.75 reduced from £11.75
A blend with notes of white peach and summer fruits.
Dining and Cooking