For the first time, it seems, it’s actually summer in Ohio.  While much of the central plains and East coast have been broiling for sometime, Ohio seems to have been cursed to languish in the mid-seventies for the better part of the summer.  As a recent transplant to the area, I understood that this was the one month of year we had brokered with the weather gods to truly enjoy the weather in the region.  Regardless of the weather, the summer wine season is still in full swing, and when it gets this hot, it’s time to break out something refreshing.

Enter Vinho Verde, a wine that is quite literally, ‘green’.  While that might be the literal translation, this wine is green in the sense it’s young, and therefore sparkling with racy and refreshing acidity.  Sure to brighten up anyone’s palate, Vinho Verde has the added benefit of having slightly carbonization (something that originally happened through malolactic fermentation accidentally, but now can be induced by adding a hint of carbonation), meaning it will also be a touch uplifting, even if you’re having a rough day.  Many Vinho Verdes also feature tropical fruit notes, a copious amount of citrus, and hints of minerality. Does Trader Joe’s exclusive Espiral Vinho Verde live up to being a good example, or should you look else where?

Sight:  On appearance, Espiral Vinho Verde has lightly coloured edges, boarding on watery.  The body is straw colored, with tiny bubbles.

Smell:  The nose hits like an explosion of citrus and tropical fruits.  All sorts of things from kiwis to peaches to lemons and limes try to storm to the forefront together, leaving a seemingly confused, but fun nose.  Of course, if you smell hard enough, the kiwi notes are a precursor to other green smells, like honeydew and slightly herbaceous smells like mint.

Sip:  The brightness of Espiral Vinho Verde is immediately apparent, and all that fresh fruit is overpowered by slightly pithy lemon and a robust kick of minerality.  Sure, some of the honeydew and the kiwis aren’t lost, but citrus plays lead in this one by a good distance.  The lower alcohol keeps the weight in check, and the bubbles add texture to round out the almost acidic punch. [A.b.v. 9%]

Savor:  The finish is pretty abrupt, hints of minerality and citrus give way quickly, but in a refreshing kind of way.

Overall, Espiral Vinho Verde is really quite fun and refreshing for the price.  While Vinho Verde is never going to be the most complex, or fancy wine, what it does, it does well, and usually for a great price. That is, being a lovely wine to keep the summer free from being parched, and whimsical.  Take it on a picnic, enough it by the pool, for $6, Espiral Vinho Verde is definitely worth a try.

Verdict: Light, lively, lemony, lightly mineraled, great for summer
Price: $5.99
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