Style Light white Old World Country Portugal Price $9
Vintage tasted 2009 Grapes Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura
Website www.aveleda.pt

Overview Rather than spending exorbitant sums on new oak barrels or seeking intensely ripe flavors, most inexpensive Portuguese wines are content to be simple, delicious enhancements to a meal. Whites in particular tend to be light and fresh, recalling flowers and wet stones rather than aggressively fruity, chemical concoctions. Aveleda, which produces many of our favorite Portuguese wines, has mastered this art.

Nose It’s pretty (though a bit faint), with apple, citrus, and stone.

Mouth Lemon, lime, a refreshingly chalky minerality, and blistering acidity make this a great choice with food or by itself on a hot day.