Monday, November 02, 2009

Vinho Verde--Just Because

Just because it's Monday...
Just because you got paid this weekend...
Just because you feel like fish tacos for dinner...
Just because you have some roasted cashews or almonds...
Just because you're trying to stay out of your kid's candy stash...

Vinho Verde.

It's not profound. It's not prestigious. It's not something you see on every restaurant wine list.

But it is perfect for those "just because" days when you have no plans, nothing much to celebrate, and want to drink an interesting wine anyway.

Try this one on for size: the 2008 Trajarinho Vinho Verde ($9.99, domaineLA; $8-$10 elsewhere) It's light, fun, zippy--everything Portuguese Vinho Verde is supposed to be! You'll discover citrus, mineral, and herb notes in the aromas and flavors, along with a bit of yeastiness. You may also sense a spritz on your tongue, which is normal for Vinho Verde, as is its 11% alc/vol. And for under $10 it represents excellent QPR.

6 comments:

Rachel said...

Thanks for reminding me about Vinho Verde. I've mostly become a red wine girl but I've always liked Vinho. I'm going to pick up a bottle for sure!

The Wine Mule said...

Yes! So what if they're not exactly the pinnacle of the winemaker's art. (I know Casal Garcia pumps in some juice after fermentation to give it freshness--it also accounts for the crackle--then sends it straight from the tank to the bottling line.) That's why they have such great QPR, as you say. C-G is our most popular seller; but really, they're all pretty good, and they're all priced right. We love 'em.

Claire Uncorked said...

Vinho Verde is great, & I haven't even thought of it since the temperature dropped. What a good wine for the hot tub!

Ms. Drinkwell said...

We also sell this wine in the shop where I work, and it is incredibly well received by wine experts, novices, and seemingly everyone in between.
I love it as Monday wine!

Anonymous said...

The name "Vinho Verdhe" just makes me thirsty.

Kate said...

I was looking for a wine to serve for a very casual dinner with friends this weekend and this seems like a perfect choice. Nothing to celebrate. Just meeting up. Just because.