2010 Aveleda Alvarinho Minho (Vinho Verde)
SKU #1115578
91
points
Wine Enthusiast
*Best Buy* A splendid Alvarinho, produced in the southern Vinho Verde region, with ripe creaminess as well as shafts of lime juice and grapefruit. It's ready to drink, while it could age for another year."
(11/ 2011)
90
points
Wine & Spirits
This alvarinho has a firm, juicy texture that might convert a chardonnay drinker--it's not oaked, but the fruit has a toasted almond character from lees aging. That combines with the ripe peach and baked apple flavors to hint at brown sugar, while acidity firms it up and keeps it clean.
(8/ 2011)
Wine Spectator
There's good definition to the zesty, crisp flavors of melon, apple, white cherry and spice. The crisp finish features notes of pastry and peach cobbler.
(11/ 2011)
K&L Notes
Aveleda continues to make delicious Alvarinho at a reasonable price. This bottling, not to be confused with our ever popular Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde, also consists of 100% Alvarinho. Unlike the "green wine" characteristics of a Vinho Verde (alcohol must bet at or below 11.5% to qualify), this vinho branco displays higher ripeness levels and is therefore labeled under Minho designation which shares the same borders as Vinho Verde. While similar in profile, the more generous ripeness allows it to age for several years. The flavors here are also citric, with broad lemon and lime notes dominating, perhaps with some apple as well and an incredible swath of minerality across the mid-palate adding a good deal of authority to the wine. While this to me would be an ideal aperitif, it would also work incredibly well with raw oysters and other starters, seafood main dishes as well. (Joe Manekin, K&L Portuguese wine buyer)
