Clear but opaquely deep plum-red. Strong, smoky nose of stewed plums and black liquorice. A tooth-stainer that will put hair on your chest with powerful, oaky plum and cherry flavours and sturdy tannins. Best with a dry-aged grass-fed New York striploin steak done medium-rare. Good for another couple of years.
Clear light gold with a slight, refreshing fizz. Medium-intensity nose of melon, pineapple and Granny Smith apple with a bit of spice. Light-bodied and light-alcohol, with lime, lemon and some melon flavours. A wine for the spring and summer.
Deep plum red with fine particles in suspension and some sediment. Aromas of fig, raisin, hazelnut and some seductive floral accents. Full-bodied and rich, tasting like a fruitcake, with good acidity and soft tannins. At or near its peak now.
Aphros is widely considered the best producer of red Vinho Verde, as they pick late and eschew the tradition of capturing of CO2 (and subsequent funky aromas) in the wine via bottling before the completion of malolactic fermentation. Black/purple colour due to Vinhão being a teinturier grape, the wine exudes dark cherry, fraise de bois, raspberry, plum, spice, red flowers and herbs. Brisk acidity and tannins make for a versatile food wine with richer dishes. Individual juice indeed!
Great value! In typical Vinho Verde fashion, this wine is light, crisp and slightly sparkling. It is also flavourful with peach, citrus, bay leaf, white flower, smoke and apple. Very good length and ready to drink with whitefish or spicy fare.
I am a sucker for good Alvarinho, and this one certainly delivers the goods. Peach, apricot, lime, apple, mineral and floral qualities are framed by fresh acid and great length. Pair with sushi or chilled shellfish platters.
Loureiro means laurel in English. Needless to say, there is definitive bay leaf quality which melds with green apple, peach, citrus and mineral. It is refreshing with fine length. A perfect summer sipper and a steal for the price!