White wine QA SIT 2010

For a really appetising white, with a classic touch of spritz and only 11% ABV, reach for a bottle of Vinho Verde. Its style has evolved greatly since the ’70s, when winemakers would sweeten the wines for added appeal. Today they are super zingy fresh and dry, especially in the hands of the talented Vasco Martins. The region lies in Portugal's NW corner and, close to the Atlantic, is one of its dampest. This only adds to the thirst-quenching freshness of its whites. One of the area's top grapes is Loureiro, some call it the 'Riesling of Portugal'. It brings lemony finesse and minerality, while a little Trajadura adds ripe pear and blossom notes and Avesso, grapefruit, peach and almond. With its light spritz, it's great solo or with seafood.