Portland has had a stream of very weird weather these last few weeks. We had over a week of smoldering hot weather with above 100-degree temperatures for days in a row, followed by a week of 60-degree temperatures, rain, and clouds. Come on Portland, can’t we just have a happy medium and enjoy some 80’s and sunshine already?! The rumored great Portland summer weather is the reason I moved here… so give me back my summer please! Today, my wish was answered with the return of the sun and 80-degree temps. And to celebrate, I opened one of my new favorite summer value wines, Vinho Verde.
Vinho Verde comes from a region in Northwest Portugal. There are six areas within Vinho Verde (although you really don’t need to know that much information). What you should know about Vinho Verde, however, is that the name translates to “green wine”, not because the wine itself is green (because it’s not). It is referring to the fact that the grapes used are “green”, meaning slightly under ripe. The wine itself can be red, white, and rosé, but you will more often than not see the white wines. The white wines, as in the case of the wine below are typically high in acid, dry, low in alcohol, and have a slight sparkle to them (more so effervescent or spritzy). These wines are easy drinking and meant to be consumed young, so no need to be laying these bad boys down in your cellar. Drink them now! Today’s Vinho Verde was the Broadbent.
Wine #7 in my quest for the perfect summer wines (we have a finalist!)
BROADBENT VINHO VERDE
Non Vintage White Wine, 9% alcohol
I have had this wine many times this summer. It is a fantastic under $10 summer sipper, although it is very easy to gulp this wine instead of actual sipping due to its refreshing nature. The wine reminds me more of lime flavored sparkling water than wine! It’s very easy to drink and incredibly fresh and refreshing.
The wine has notes of fresh lemon, lime, lime peel, and green apple with a zesty, crisp, and refreshing mouthfeel. It is excellent with appetizers on a hot day, or just a poolside sipper! Any day that it is hot is a day to drink Vinho Verde. One of the best parts is the low alcohol. You can drink lots of it and still have room for more (and you won’t be loopy after a couple glasses). The nice thing about the Broadbent is that it is nationally distributed here in the US and fairly accessible. I have seen it in numerous retail locations and restaurants here in Portland. So go out and get yourself a bottle (or case) of this wine (or any Vinho Verde for that matter since most of the ones I have had this summer have been awesome and under $10), because summer will be gone before you can ask for seconds.
Winery: Broadbent, Portugal
Grapes: 50% Loureiro, 40% Trajadura and 10% Pedernã [aka Arinto]
Retail: $9.99
Alcohol: 9%
As seen recently in the Hollywood Fred Meyer and Wine Down on 28th Wine Bar
Occasions for drinking this wine: Poolside! If you don’t have a pool (like me) then simply enjoy it on a hot day sitting on your patio in the shade. Also makes for a refreshing post hiking or workout wine.
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