(2023) A classic blend of Avesso and Arinto, and classic in style with a definite spritz as it hits the palate. It is dry on the palate, after opening with preserved salty lemons and nuances of leafy green herbs. In the mouth, a dry, apple core gastronomic character, with a sweep of acidity adding more decisive cut and mouth-watering clarity. Understated, but quite grown-up and with a certain intensity.
(2021) A new vintage for a wine I have really enjoyed from Lidl previously, the epitome of Vinho Verde freshness and vitality, and a quality one too. The nose has the leafy green herbs, touches of dill and rosemary, and a fine citrus fruit core. On the palate it is lively and full of energy, the tiniest bit of spritz and a tangy brightness to the fruit, a little salty character adding more interest into quite a long, elegantly tapering finish.
(2021) Made by the Adega Monção in the heart of Vinho Verde's best Alvarinho terroir in the far north of Portugal, this is from a very ripe vintage, but buyer Jo Locke was very happy with the freshness too. I have to say I found this a scintillating summer sipper, a tiny hint of spritz adding to that fresh appeal, but aromatic combination of some Reisling-like waxiness and lime peel zest is lovely, then the palate streaks with that limey purity, hints of nectarine sweetness, and excellent acid vibrancy into the finish. A sheer delight.
(2021) A single varietal Vinho Verde from the Minho in northern Portugal, this has a charming nose, lime leaf and tangerine, touches of soft leafy green herbs. It bursts onto the palate with a surge of sweet, ripe fruit, juicy ripe apple and luscious pear, fine acidity and the tangy finish is persistent. A very nice Vinho Verde this.
(2019) A blend between 70% Loureiro and Alvarinho (Albariño). Lovely lemon and herb inviting aromas on the nose, fragrant and dry, it is intense on the palate, lovely clean, crisp character with a touch of skin contact grip. Pure citrus finish, lovely. Waitrose stocks this but appears to have moved on to the 2018 vintage.
(2019) Part of Lidl's 'Wine Tour', limited stocks in stores from 23rd May 2019, this is a blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura, spritzy and vivacious with lots of zingy citrus and herbs, a fine mouth-filling presence despite the lowly 12% abv, and a clean, refreshing and summer finish with that lick of salts and lemon peel to freshen.
(2014) Only 11.5 abv, this is a blend of 60% Alvarinho and 40% Trajedura with a lovely hint of waxiness and Riesling-like lift and apple. The palate is clean and fresh, but has that rounding waxy hint against the plentiful lime and lemon acidity. Fresh as a daisy and truly delicious for summer drinking.
(2014) The smokiness and grip of the skin contact here is gorgeous, very Riesling-like again for some reason, and pungent and powerful. The palate is packed with lemon and orange flavours, with a delicious lick of mid-palate sweetness or more accurately, fruit juiciness, before a bone-dry finish.
(2006) Somewhat mysteriously described on the back label as a blend of 'Avesso, Chardonnay, Others', in fact there is only one more grape in the blend, and that grape is Gewürztraminer. It has a very pale colour and a particularly succulent nose, where ripe, juicy pear aromas are underpinned by a little mealy richness and highlighted by floral nuances. On the palate it is quite forceful and direct with a full, juicy, rounded palate of pear and apple fruit that is shot through with vibrant acidity, yet textured and layered with minerality and subtle, waxy lime fruit. Fresh, beautifully balanced and delightful.
(2006) Vinho Verde, 11.5%. Beautifully fresh and mealy, with floral and pear notes and hints of honey and peach skins. On the palate there's a mass of lemony acidity and weighty fruit. 60,000 bottles.
