2011 Aveleda Vinho Verde

If you’re a white wine drinker and looking for something different than your usual chardonnays and sauvignon blancs, try vinho verde, the crisp, slightly bubbly white wine from Portugal.  There are lots of good ones available, although you might not find them among your typical grocery store selection.  A good one to try is from Aveleda (Quinta da Aveleda), which is mass-produced and is very widely available.  I have found it in several different wine stores, from my local wine & beer store to large retailers such as Total Wine. At only about $9/bottle, it’s a real bargain for a very pleasant, light-bodied white wine. 

It has a flinty, slightly smoky aroma with strong notes of fresh pineapple & citrus. 

The flavors are of lime and Granny Smith apple balanced with crisp acidity on a light, slightly effervescent texture.  This is a lively, easy-drinking white with a nice combination of tart flavors and acidity.  Another plus is that (like most vinho verdes) it is slightly lower in alcohol than many whites wines (10%).  Goes great with a whole range of light summer food fare, from salads, fresh fruit, light seafood and goat cheese.  Best served well-chilled.