WGGW Tasting Lab - Bottle #4
How Alternative Can We Get?
Tasting Alvarinho
Graca Da Pedra
Vino Verde, Portugal
What to do when you are not the noticed grape in the slew of wines by the glass lists that make your head spin?
Do I desire to be the beloved Sauvignon Blanc or the obvious Chardonnay choice? Maybe. Sometimes. Instead, I am falling into the sketchy yet intriguing “Other Whites” category. Does this mean I am different, or am I alternative, or do I have a little extra to talk about? My complaints about being ignored or skipped over are softened lately-my “alternative category” is working for me!
Alvarinho is making it’s claim on my life, is stuck in my mind, is driving how I plan my day, and hangs in my recaps at night. It’s nice to be percieved as intriguing, and it is fun to be observed as a trend rather than a grape that has been on the scene for centuries. (First time on the block around the 14th century, but nothing to brag about…) Is it this warmer weather that drives people insane; all normal thinking goes right out the open window or windows you keep opening, then closing because it’s still freaking cold outside? Or is it that “I need to be different” wine demon that makes you believe you will create a wine list that NO ONE has ever seen before. Hey, maybe you will - who am I to judge?
Let’s get this straight though; Alvarinho from Portugal and Albarino from Spain - same thing. Just depends on where you hang on the Iberian Peninsula. Both countries, and versions of the same grape, will produce similar, high-acid, aromatic white wines with distinctive mineral and citrus notes. I find my Portuguese version to be a little fuller on the palate, and leaning more to the tropical side of the fruit bowl. Both have great salinity, making them a shoe in for shell fish - which is my go to meal as soon as the weather turns warmer. I can get lost in a bowl of steamed clams. And oysters; well, just take a glance at my instagram. That’s one sexy shellfish.
Graces Da Pedra from Vinho Verde in Portugal is a standout - and I say this because it has now become the “secret weapon” wine in the bag. This is the wine that EVERYONE likes, and usually buys. You need a go-to. It’s tough out here, especially lately, with consumers leaning away from drinking wine on a daily. I usually have four to six wines in the bag, with one or two at 75% gone by the end of the day. This one makes it until about 2 PM.
Vinho Verde is that mysterious place in my mind that I KNOW I will get to eventually. Especially the sub-regions of Monção e Melgaço that are standing out as the only places where Alvarinho can be bottled as a single-varietal wine. Intention, focus, wine of place - need I say more. Bordering the Minho River, it is lush, it is green, it is everything you want in a Portuguese wine paradise. By the way, this is NOT a “Vino Verde”, which would be a lighter style BLENDED white wine. We are going straight to the 100%, high-quality, a bit more serious, personality of Alvarinho that I do hope you explore.
Why take a chance?
Right out of the glass you are happy. You may not know it, but your entire body will react to this wine without a sip. The aromatics pop, and speak the language of citrus fruit, strolls through a rocky stream, fresh-rained on flowers. Happy, like I said. Isn’t that where we want to be?
There are building blocks of flavor. Many trendy summer white wines are boring to me. Very one note. Yes, I don’t mind a “porch pounder”, but I am becoming lazy. Give me a wine I can enjoy while I’m laying on the couch, eating lunch, reading my book in the back yard - and I am fullfilled. You need structure to have a wine like this that will show up for all your musings. Let the wine be a refresher, a great friend to a chicken sandwich, and a happy ending to the day.
Don’t get crazy on the vintage. If there is age, then that may not be a bad thing. Alvarinho will develop minerality and complexity as it sits around. Be smart about it. Don’t put it next to the heater, and all is good. I’m showing a 2022, and it’s singing. 2019 was even better if you can find it.
Enjoy EVERYTHING with this wine. As I said, shellfish will rock it out, but you can pair this wine with richer dishes as well. I’m a Caesar salad girl (extra anchovies), and wow - the acidity to a GOOD dressing and this wine is perfection. Goat cheese is just lovely, and Thai food is a Pajak Cottage House Favorite - this wine will cut right through and shine. Again, shellfish it up - always and forever.
Taking a chance on wine isn’t always nice to your funds - but this one is! Trying something new just got more enticing.
Fun Fact; August 1st is “Alvarinho Day” - if wine holidays are a thing that turn you on. This is the day before my very happy birthday. Oysters and Alvarinho anyone?
Recent life choices I would make with Alvarinho:
