Portal da Calcada 2022 Vinho Verde, Portugal

You might not think of Portugal when looking for refreshing summer sippers, but the Vinho Verde wine region in Northwest Portugal produces a great selection of light and lively white wines that are perfect for warmer spring and summer nights.  Vinho Verde translates to “green wine” which refers to the young age of the wine and the lush, green vegetation of the wine region, not the color green.  Vinho Verde wines are typically known for being inexpensive, fruity and lightly fizzy white wines but in recent years winemakers have started producing more serious, complex still white wines that are great year round and rival some of the great, mineral driven white wines from France, Spain and Italy.

This is a dry, still, complex white wine yet is also delightfully youthful and expressive on the palate. Made from Alvarinho (Albariño), Arinto and Azal, this incredible value wine is layered with citrus, green apple and melon fruits with just a hint of honeysuckle to balance the tart fruits.   It’s light enough to enjoy as an aperitif but also has the complexity and body to pair with lighter summer fare.   In true Vinho Verde style, this wine is cheerfully lively and refreshingly addictive.