Portugal's most famous white wine is Vinho Verde, which actually translates as 'green wine' and is from the northwest region of Minho. The country as a whole has a wide diversity of white wine styles. Wine lovers could spend a lifetime exploring Portugal's indigenous grape varieties: whites make up more than 50 of the 200 or so native varieties. Most have escaped globalisation and are cultivated only locally, although wineries also grow international varieties such as chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. For aromatic whites with floral, tropical fruit notes, try alvarinho, Fernao Pires, loureiro and moscatel de setubal for luscious dessert wines. If you prefer more mineral styles, try arinto, encruzado or antao vaz. For the most part, the wines are young, easy to drink, lower in alcohol, fairly neutral in flavours with a light fizziness. They serve as great thirst quenchers in humid tropical weather, especially when served very cold. We are seeing a larger selection of Portuguese wines on Hong Kong shelves from Vinho Verde to other regional wines. Quinta da Lixa Bruto (sparkling) NV (HK$110) Vinho Verde produces a diverse range of wines. This one is made with second fermentation in the bottle using indigenous grape varieties rather than traditional champagne varieties - 50 per cent arinto (for its high acidity) and 50 per cent avesso (for roundness). On the nose, grassy, citrus, bread-like aromatics. Medium body with crisp acidity, a taut structure and medium long finish. Refreshing, very dry and crisp with no dosage (added sugar). Perfect for the long, hot summer. Quinta da Lixa Pouco Comum Alvarinho 2011 (HK$120) Wines grown in the neighbouring northern region of Rias Baixas in Spain, where the grape is called albarino, show the varietal's versatility - these are full of zesty, citrus fruit, peach, and have a medium-bodied style. Alvarinho wines from Vinho Verde are less complex. This alvarinho has citrus lime flavours. Medium-bodied with high acidity, which is balanced with residual sugar that's reminiscent of a riesling. The wine serves well as an aperitif but is also a good accompaniment to traditional Cantonese dishes. Try it with a double boiled soup made from duck, pork, ginger and aged tangerine peel. Quinta do Pinto Grande Escolha Branco 2009 (HK$160) This wine is made from a blend of indigenous varieties and international varieties. They are antao vaz (35 per cent), chardonnay (20 per cent), arinto (15 per cent), Fernao Pires (10 per cent), marsanne (10 per cent) and rousanne (10 per cent) Peach, apricot, floral aromatics. Very perfumed. Full body, with balanced acidity, creamy and a long finish. A food wine, complex, good with steamed fish. Wines available from Xantana Wine info@xantanawine.com
