Broadbent Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is a style of light, high-acid white wine, and the name traditionally refers to the Minho region of northwest Portugal. This bottle is listed under the Broadbent label, and the product record doesn't give a vintage, grape blend or alcohol level. Everything below describes what the style usually delivers, not measured figures for this bottle. Expect a pale, near-colorless to straw-green wine with citrus-led fruit such as lime, green apple and grapefruit pith. Blends built on grapes like Loureiro, Arinto and Alvarinho often add white blossom or a faint herbal note. The body is typically light, the acidity high and crisp, and tannin and oak are essentially absent. Many examples are low in alcohol, and some have a slight spritz from retained carbonation. The finish is short, clean and slightly saline or lemony. Serve it well chilled, around 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). That's about three hours in the refrigerator, or 30 minutes in an ice bucket with water. Don't decant it, because aeration only dulls the freshness and any gentle fizz. A small, narrow-rimmed white wine glass or a standard tulip-shaped white glass keeps the aromas concentrated and holds the temperature for a few minutes longer than a wide bowl would. The acidity and low weight suit foods that would overwhelm a bigger white. Shellfish, grilled sardines, ceviche, oysters, salt-cod dishes and light salads dressed with lemon are classic matches. It also cuts through fried seafood and handles mild goat cheese, fresh herbs and moderately spicy Southeast Asian or Mexican dishes. Avoid rich cream sauces and heavily smoked or red-meat dishes, which will flatten it. This is a drink-now wine. Vinho Verde is made for freshness and is usually best within a year or two of its vintage, so there's no benefit to cellaring it. Open it young, cold and soon after purchase.