2023 Vera Vinho Verde, Portugal

A little known fact about Portuguese winemaking history: in the 50’s and 60’s, the Portuguese government, under pressure from the wine industry, resisted the arrival of Coca-Cola and soft drinks. Vinho Verdes, with their light alcohol and slight carbonation, were the soft-drink du jour, the drink people could have for lunch or when meeting with a friend. Vera is the very first Vinho Verde to be introduced to America. It is 100% estate fruit from the subregion of Minho called Basto; it is estate bottled with a very light carbonation, allowing for a medium bodied and better balanced wine. The fact that fruit comes from the estate’s 104 plots (yes 104!) provides consistent quality from vintage to vintage.