Jun 12 2009
$5 Friday: Fuzelo Vinho Verde
Type: White (with some small CO2 bubbles!)
Variety: local (Portugeuse) grape varieties Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso and Azal
Location: Minho, Portugal
Drink date: NOW!
Here’s what Wikipedia tells you about this variety of wine:
The name literally means “Green Wine”, referring to its youthful freshness rather than its color. The Vinhos Verdes are light, fresh, and intended for drinking within a year. At less than 1 bar of CO2 pressure they do not quite qualify as semi-sparkling wines but do have a definite pétillance. The white Vinho Verde is very fresh, due its natural acidity, with fruity and floral aromas, depending of the grape variety.
And here’s what I have to say:
This wine is GOOD!!! I broke open the bottle on a warm afternoon after wandering around the city on errands, and it was perfect for sipping as I relaxed and watched the sun go down out my windows. I enjoyed it both alone – sipping as I relaxed for the first time that day in a comfy chair with a good book – and later on when paired with dinner (a light whole wheat pizza with spinach and fresh mozzarella). This wine is refreshing and light, with just a touch of sweetness and a hint of fresh, green, growing things. It is a perfect summer wine, made for sipping on those warm afternoons and evenings after a long day outdoors.
So, do I recommend you try this one? Hell, yes! (Though I should admit, I’m a sucker for this type of wine – I don’t really go for the full on sparkling Champagnes, but wines with a dusting of bubbles? Oh, baby!) Despite its low price tag, this is one $5 bottle of wine that would not disgrace your table!
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