For The Love Of Port

As we are coming close to the hottest days of the year, I'd suggest something refreshing for this July VT. How about exploring the world of Vinho Verde. These wines are intense and fresh, sometimes very fruity and fizzy, other times crisp, dry and very mineral. I know it is not Douro or Madeira, but is close as Vinho Verde production extends from the Minho to the Douro.

Other suggestions are welcome too.

Beginning of summer ... hmmm, how about a "chilled Port" ... A 10/20 year old Tawny or White Port or White Colheita Port ... or for those adventurous enough, Pink port?

I like the White Port idea... we could try it stand alone, or as a Port Tonic, or both!

I have a bottle of Porto Rocha Very Old Dry White Port that I'd open for this VT.

I've seen the Broadbent Vinho Verde locally so that would be a good option for me. I've got a white Port in the fridge ready for Port tonics and 10/20 year tawnies are easy to find. Either of those sounds like a good choice to me. If we do the 10/20 year Tawny it might be fun to stick to just one or two producers to get multiple impressions on the same wine. I would think Taylor and Fonseca are available in most markets.

Actually Vinho Verde is not from the Douro region, no less a white Port! Most VV comes from Alvarinho and other white grapes which come from a region that was called MINHO until a couple of years ago, when Vinho Verde was given its own appellation. But even though I take literary license by including some VVs in with my Douro TNs, at least for the record, people should be made aware of the difference.