4 and 6 bottle levels     $23 (member price $20)
100% Loureiro    12.0% ABV

Vinho Verde means bright fresh modest alcohol white wines, often as low as 10.5 or 11.0% ABV.  It’s a region north of Porto and south of Rías Baixas, along the Atlantic coast.  Producers seeking higher quality wines use the best varieties (Loureiro and/or Alvarinho) planted in the best soils (granitic).  Quinta do Ameal employs these strategies to great effect, coaxing an amazing amount of flavor out of a 12.0% ABV wine.  The winery is a project of Esporão, based out of Alentejo, with vineyards throughout Portugal.  Aged on the lees in stainless for seven months.  Orange blossom, lemon zest, white peach, hint of salinity.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy this delightfully fresh white with fish tacos, crispy cod drizzled with lemons and capers, broiled oysters on grilled sourdough, grilled chicken stuffed with goat cheese and herbs served over vegetable rice, classic Spanish Paella, pulled chicken BBQ with buttered chive cornbread, and grilled eggplant, onion and bell pepper kebabs. This crisp white is equally pleasing with soft cheeses such as Burrata, Nata de Cantabria cream, Marjorera goat and Torta de Casar, ideally accompanied by salty slices of Serrano ham and Marcona almonds.