Vinho Verde
When you think of a crisp white wine to match the foods of summer, what do you think of first? Chardonnay? Sauvignon Blanc?
Consider Vinho Verde, the traditional white wine of Portugal produced from the white grapes of the region.
Wines of Portugal is eager to get the word out about Vinho Verde, a mostly unoaked wine suitable for a variety of occasions year round. But especially suited to the lighter style foods of summer.
Recently, Alexander LaPratt, Master Sommelier and owner of the trendy restaurant Atrium in Brooklyn, spoke about Vinho Verde at a media lunch on behalf of Wines of Portugal.
Vino Verde is produced in several regions of Portugal from over 16,000 producers and exported to over a hundred markets.
Most producers limit production of Vinho Verde to six white grapes in the (mostly) blended wine. Each grape gives the blend its own unique characteristic flavors.
Among them you will find Alvarinho, which gives a complex, fruit character (quince, peach), Avesso (almonds,), Azal (citrus), Arinto ) ripe apple, Loureiro (floral jasmine), and Trajadura (tree fruits such as pear and peach).
You may think that all Vinho Verde tastes the same, but the quality and flavor result from the exact blend of the grapes, and the region where the grapes grow.
The two most important things to understand from the presentation include the versatility of Vinho Verde to match cuisine, as well as its affordable, under $20 price point.
During our five-course lunch, Master Sommelier LaPratt paired different Vinho Verde wines with each course. Yes, even dessert.
Aledga Ponte de Barca Premium 2002
This wine, made from the Loueiro amd Alvarinho grapes, paired with the first course of seasonal spring green and strawberry salad with pistachio. The wine had a very subtle flavor of white peach, which paired well with the greens and summer strawberries.
Campelo Arinto
As the name implies, they made this wine from 100% Arinto. It had a subtle flavor of mint and ripe orange. Mr. LaPratt paired it with “Lioni’s Brooklyn Burrata” served with heirloom tomatoes and shaved fennel.
Quinta da Raza Alvarinho/Trajadura 2020
This blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura had more of a saline, “ocean spray” characteristics that the other wines. This is because of the vineyards’ proximity to the ocean. Mr. LaPratt served it with a choice of delicious Long Island fluke carpaccio or a goat cheese and vegetable tart.
Aveleda Loureiro & Alvarinho 2018
This wine had more texture and weight than the other wines, making it an appropriate pairing for both choices of roasted Nova Scotia wild halibut or Palmetto farm whole roasted spring chicken.
Soalheiro Granit 2019
While one rarely considers pairing wine with dessert, this wine paired very well with both the Provencal Mille-Feuille and the strawberry tart.
Alex LaPratt MS and his excellent pairing of Vinho Verde wine shows the versatility of this delicious white wine.
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