Yes from a Portuguese tourism perspective there is more than Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve. I was playing some catch today and as the baseball was zipping to and fro I looked over to the hockey rink resting for the summer and I saw some graffiti on the wall “Pickleball is the new virus!”. Well as far as Porto and Lisbon are concerned cruise ships are a virus. Vinho Verde is free of the cruise ship virus and is prime wine tourism territory meaning there are many wineries, fabulous cuisine, cultural sites, accommodations and stunning topography. Wine can easily be the star of a visit but there are a range of diverse hotels, restaurants and cities and towns full of culture such as Braga, Guimaraes and Ponte de Lima with its famous bridge and huge public market held on fortnights. In fact this public market began in 1125 and is the oldest market in Portugal. There are numerous museums, churches and the many monuments of the Upper Minho region including a wealth of classified heritage sites. And yes there is a Vinhos Verdes Wine Route.
The white wines of Vinho Verdes almost always suit local seafood so well or that’s the way I prefer them. You must dig around for the different styles of whites. Many are simply too acidic for other than with foods.
Where does the Maria Papoila Loureiro and Alvarinho fit?
Aroma: Pear, apple and some melon. Simplistic and straightforward.
Palate: The acids are under control here but the wine is tight and stingy with its fruit. In short it is wine no doubt but with little character. If I may say so boring. Short finish.
Food match: Seafood please particularly sardines, sea bream, mackerel and sea bass.
Cellarbility: As they say drink young and fresh.
Personality: This writer is cheeky saying in his opinion that I am boring. He’s boring. Meow!
Price: $18.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 83/100.
(Maria Papoila Loureiro & Alvarinho 2022, Vinho Verde DOC, Lua Cheia, Portugal, 750 mL, 11.5%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 408146).
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