Vinho Verde

This beautiful weather here in BC is ensuring that I'm still on the lookout for some perfect summer wines. My search wouldn't be complete however without looking at Vinho Verde's from Portugal. This area of northwestern Portugal is well known for making light and refreshing wines that are meant to be drunk young. Generally these wines are fairly low in alcohol (8.5-11%) and often have a slight pétillance to them which adds to their refreshing character. I find these wines to be fairly neutral despite their distinct minerality and nice citrus fruit. In general they also have what I find to be somewhat green/grassy character which again only adds to the refreshing nature of this wine.

Overall, I don't think anyone could go wrong drinking a Vinho Verde on a warm and sunny summer's day.
What's also great about Vinho Verde's are the price point. Rarely will you find one over $20 and usually they'll be under $15. Both Gatao and Gazella, pictured above, are available at the BC liquor Stores for $10.99 each. I thoroughly enjoy both, with Gatao maybe having a bit more fruit to it and a somewhat fuller mouthfeel. It's still however deliciously light and fresh.
Ontario readers will also find a few excellent options at their local LCBO with most falling in the price range of $9.00-$15.00. Not a bad deal!!