Wine Picks…
2007 José Maria da Fonseca “Twin Vines”
Vinho Verde, Portugal
$9
As long as the economy remains in the doldrums, I will continue to seek out wines with a strong price to value ratio and with summer in full swing, that task becomes a little easier. Hot weather quaffables, although never the last word in complexity, tend to be lighter on both the palate and the pocketbook.
This off-dry Portuguese white, served chilled, is clean and refreshing with tangy citrus flavors and a floral aroma. The acidity keeps the fruit in check for a nicely balanced wine that pairs well with seafood and chicken dishes, and is versatile enough to stand up to the robust flavors typical of Portuguese cuisine—garlic, onion, cilantro, bay leaves and coriander. The light alcohol content (10%) and mild effervescence make it a nice aperitif as well.
“Vinho Verde,” which translates to “green wine,” refers to its youth rather than color—the wines are meant to be enjoyed within a year of release. The Vinho Verde region lies in the lush northwest corner of the country between the Douro and Minho rivers. The winery is owned by the 8th generation of the Soares Franco family, and “Twin Vines” celebrates the 2007 birth of twin daughters to Antonio Maria Soares Franco and his wife.
Available at Bevmo and other retailers.
