Soalheiro Loureiro/alvarinho allo 2024

A Vinho Verde from Portugal, made with Loureiro and Alvarinho from the 2024 vintage. A quick word on the grape: Loureiro is a fragrant Vinho Verde white grape, named for its laurel-like aroma, giving fresh, floral, citrusy wines. Alvarinho comes along for the ride as well — a premium Portuguese white grape, the star of Vinho Verde, giving aromatic, crisp wines with peach, citrus and a saline freshness. Vinho Verde is meant to be drunk young and fresh — it's light, low in alcohol and often has a tiny, refreshing prickle of fizz. Portugal is a goldmine of native grapes, from the zippy whites of the green northwest to the muscular reds and legendary Ports of the Douro Valley. It's the ultimate chilled-aperitif wine, and a dream with seafood and light summer plates. Best straight from the fridge, nicely chilled.