From Shutter: The first time we experienced vinho verde was sitting at the bar at Seabras Marisqueira in Newark, where it seemed everyone was quaffing the refreshing wine with their seafood. Since then, due in large part to Ted’s ongoing photo project in the Ironbound section of the city, we’ve become big fans of anything Portuguese, especially, the wines.
Ted recently attended a vinho verde tasting at the hip restaurant Saxon + Parole in Manhattan, co-sponsored by the European Union and the Comissao de Viticultura da Regiao dos Vinhos Verdes (the organization of vinho verde producers). The importers and distributors represented included our friends at Jose Maria da Fonseca (imported by Palm Bay International), who have been instrumental in introducing us to Portuguese wines.
Our friend, Maria Stevens of Palm Bay International, represents Jose Maria da Fonseca wines
Manuel Pinheiro, executive president of the Comissao de Viticultura da Regaio dos Vinhos Verdes (left) and Rui Boavista Marques, trade and investment commissioner for AICEP (Portuguese Business and Development Agency)
Carla Cunha, marketing director, Comissao de Viticultura da Regiao dos Vinhos Verdes
Vinho verdes are made in a demarcated region in the Northwest of Portugal from a variety of grapes, by many small producers. The name vinho verde literally means “green wine” but is translated as “young wine.” We generally think of the variety as a white, but it there are red and roses too – all are meant to be consumed within a year of bottling. The whites range from pale – almost green – to straw color, and are mildly fruity, light, crisp and refreshing, a Portuguese version of pinot grigio (but better). Some, like some of the fruity roses, have a hint of sparkle. I’ve never tasted the reds, which are not terribly popular here in the U.S. and Ted said they were sparsely represented at the event.
Vinho verde has become our go-to wine for the warmer weather. Its relatively low alcohol content, budget price (many are under $10 a bottle) and food-friendly characteristics make it an easy choice with the seafood and salads that we’re eating now. The wines are also a perfect apertif. As the Portuguese say “Saude”!
Great post and thanks for sharing! I’ve enjoyed vinho verde for a while now, partially because it’s inexpensive but mostly because it seems to please nearly every palate, so it’s a great wine to bring to dinner parties, of course. Personally, my favorite attribute has to be that it’s frizzante.
This is a wonderful resource for us – sadly, we don’t know too much about wine, and we are always overwhelmed with the choices when it comes to purchasing wine for ourselves or friends. We’ll definitely have to pick up a bottle of vinho verde soon!
Great reminder! I’d forgotten how much I love VV’s refreshing tartness and affordability. A perfect wine to drink in the backyard as a reward for a freshly-cut lawn.