Profile
The Vinho Verde DOC is located in the northwest portion of Portugal, just north of the famous Douro River Valley. The climate is rainy, mountainous, and extraordinarily green. The Basto sub-region where Vera is located is made up mostly of granite soil, planted inland, with vines that are between 10 and 35 years old which sets it apart from its peers and provides a depth of flavour. Cold damp winters are followed by a mild spring and summer. When Vera Vinho Verde launched the 2010 vintage, their ambition was to produce a better Vinho Verde, which meant to produce wines that were estate fruit only, had less residual sugar, and less carbonation. These ideas were contrary to what was the norm for similar wines from the region.
In the 1950s and 1960s in Portugal, Vinho Verdes, with their low alcohol and slight fizz were the popular drink among the locals, as opposed to other countries where Coca-Cola was "de rigeur". People drank this wine with lunch or just for a cool, refreshing treat. This is a perfect summer sipper. Enjoy this wine served at 6 C, from now until 2022.
Smell
This wine is aromatic, with light, fresh, fruity aromas of tropical fruit, pear, peach, lime, and floral notes. This wine’s aromas just beg for it to be enjoyed during a summertime picnic.
Taste
This white blend has a light effervescence on the tongue, as it's a youthful, dry, fruity wine. Flavours of freshly sliced apples, lime zest, lemonade, white peach, and grapefruit, give lots of fruitiness and highlight the fresh acidity. There is a fine zing to this aromatic wine, along with a hint of minerality at the end.
Pairing
This wine would go very well with fish tacos, sushi, or gazpacho. It would pair nicely with soft, young cheeses - think chèvre.
