Pavão Vinho Verde NV (2010)

Pavão Vinho Verde NV (2010)

Origin: Portugal
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $6.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Light- to medium-gold in color, this ever so slightly sparkling wine has aromas of apple and pear, with slight hints of cider and almonds. The fruit flavors on the palate are a bit like unripened apple and apple peel, rather tart and astringent. There isn't much of a finish, but as the fruit flavors fade a mild minerality appears.

Our rating: Usually we prefer our Vinho Verdes ("green wines") as an aperitif, or simply as is while relaxing, but in this case we found we enjoyed this wine a bit more when accompanied by food. Granted, we served it with breakfast-for-dinner — scrambled eggs, ham, potatoes and onions — so there was every expectation that it would pair well. Still, this wasn't one of our favorite examples of this blend. Though typically a non-vintage wine, the bottles are stamped with their date of export. We previously rated a 2009-dated bottle on the low side of Average. We score this 2010-dated bottle a little worse, still Average but just barely.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Cantine Riondo Prosecco "Spago Nero" NV

Cantine Riondo Prosecco "Spago Nero" NV

Origin: Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 10.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: This gold and silver colored lightly sparkling wine has aromas of apple and citrus zest with slight floral notes. A similar flavor profile is exhibited on the palate, slightly sweet at first before becoming slightly tart. The somewhat toasty finish has some mineral character, clean and refreshing.

Our rating: This has been one of our most commented upon wines, both for its taste and for the difficulty associated in opening the bottle. And it now seems that the winemaker has listened, for we recently saw a bottle in the store with a screw cap and just had to pick up a bottle (or two)! (We couldn't find an online image of this particular bottle, so we're using a picture we took ourselves.) In the past, we have very much enjoyed this wine; indeed, we enjoy most proseccos and cavas, but this particular label is among the best ... especially at this price point. We first published a review of it back in 2008, and more recently in late 2009, both times rating it above average. But we're scoring this particular bottle a bit higher, Above Average nearly Excellent, and suggest you try it sometime. And with the screw cap, it's especially easy to open and serve!

Taste profile from the winemaker: Appearance: White with gold highlights, fine and persistent. Aroma: Fresh, fruity and aromatic. Taste: Elegant with soft, lingering finish.

Winery website: Cantine Riondo.

Espiral Vinho Verde NV

Espiral Vinho Verde NV
Origin: Portugal
Blend: "Selected native grape varieties"
Alcohol Content: 9.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2011
Purchase Price: $3.99

Our review: Pale straw with greenish/gold highlights, this slightly effervescent "green wine" has aromas of citrus with a hint of sweet tree fruit. The palate is very citrusy, on the tart side but not excessively so. A bit of lime zest is introduced into the brief finish.

Our rating: We're fans of Vinho Verdes for several reasons: they are versatile enough to accompany almost any cuisine; are low in alcohol, making them ideal for brunches, lunches, or simply sipping in late afternoon; and are typically relatively inexpensive. This wine not only meets all three criteria -- especially the price, at just $4 -- but it's pretty good as well. We enjoyed our bottle as an aperitif, a nice introduction to what proved to be an excellent meal of grilled seafood and vegetables (accompanied by another bottle of wine ... but that's another review). We rate this wine Above Average. (As with most Vinho Verdes, this wine has no vintage but is stamped for export with a 2010 date on it. These wines are intended to be consumed soon after bottling, so always look for the most recent date possible.)

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Poema Cava Brut NV

Poema Cava Brut NV
Origin: Penedès, Spain
Blend: Macabeo (40%), Xarel-lo (40%), Parellada (20%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Lightly sparkling and pure gold in color, this wine has aromas of sweet tree fruit (peaches, pears) with some contrasting citrus herbal notes. Rather dry on the palate, the slightly tart fruit flavors take on a toasty character. The finish is surprisingly long.

Our rating: This is a very nice cava, one we enjoyed with a light lunch. We'd suggest serving it as we did, or as an aperitif or with appetizers. One of the better examples of this sparkling wine we've had recently, we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent. And priced at just $8, it is an exceptional value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Vibrant aromas of ripe peaches, pears and toasted bread with a hint of spice fill the nose. The palate is dry with a rich, creamy texture. Layers of flavor include orange rind and spice that persists through an elegant finish."

Winery website: None found.

Rondel Cava Brut NV

Rondel Cava Brut NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada (blend percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Yellow gold in color, this lightly sparkling wine has aromas of apple and spice. Very toasty on the palate, the apple flavor seems "off" a bit, tasting almost like unripe fruit. The moderately long finish continues the toast notes.

Our rating: As much as we enjoy cavas, we didn't particularly like this one. We started the bottle as a late afternoon aperitif, but ended up mixing it with orange juice and serving as a mimosa the following morning. We rate it Below Average to Inferior. (Note: the bottle depicted is slightly different from the one we reviewed.)

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Grupo Codorniu.

Deinhard Medium Dry Sparkling Wine NV

Deinhard Medium Dry Sparkling Wine NV
Origin: Germany
Blend: "Cuvée of classic varieties"
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: July 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Greenish straw in color with fresh tropical fruit aromas (pineapple, mango, papaya) accompanying an initial burst of bubbles. Lightly sparkling, the tropical fruit flavors are forward on the palate, becoming slightly sweeter into the finish, which is long but somewhat flat.

Our rating: It's always hard to discern what is meant by "medium dry"; this sparkling wine seems more sweet than dry, but it's a pleasant sweetness, one that would be welcome with a brunch of fresh fruits and pastries. Not really a dessert wine, but one that you might want to try with appetizers. We enjoyed our bottle al fresco, as is, and rate it Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Fragrant scent of tropical fruit. Whiff of citrus and apple, lined with a light scent of yellow-gold bananas. Freshly titillating on the palate, uncomplicated, long-lasting aftertaste."

Winery website: Deinhard: Wiune and Sparking Wine.

Soria Prosecco Vino Spumante Extra Dry NV

Soria Prosecco Vino Spumante Extra Dry NV
Origin: Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Silver straw in color with a brief burst of bubbles, this lightly sparkling wine has aromas of green apple and stone fruit (apricot) with faint citrus notes and maybe a hint of floral. The flavor profile leans towards apple but there's definitely some sweet fruit present. A light minerality develops into the moderately long finish, which has an almost nutty character to it.

Our rating: We enjoy proseccos, particularly for sipping late in the afternoon. This is a nice example for such a purpose, but seems more appropriate for pairing, either with a light lunch or maybe an appetizer platter. A little food helps round it out. We rate it on the high side of Above Average, an identical rating we gave to a bottle of prosecco we tasted last year, the E. Soria Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry NV. However, we're not at all sure what we're reviewing here and what we rated a year ago are one and the same. The differences include the name ("E. Soria" versus just plain "Soria"), a completely different bottle and label (blue label versus clear label with red banner), and a slightly different price ($10.99 versus $9.99).

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde 2009

Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde 2009
Origin: Portugal
Blend: "Selected grapes of the indigenous Loureiro and Pedernã varieties"
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Pale silver-green in color, this wine has bright aromas of citrus and green apple. The flavors are similar on the palate, with a grapefruit tartness dominating, accompanied by a little effervescence. Some minerality develops into the finish, which is brief and not all that memorable.

Our rating: These "green wines" are intended to be consumed as early as possible after bottling, so we appreciate that more of them are clearly dated. We recommend that vinho verdes be served as either an aperitif or with appetizers, which is how we enjoyed our bottle. Last year we rated the Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde 2008 Above Average, but we weren't as thrilled with this year's effort, being too dominant on a single flavor (grapefruit) and rating it just Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Very bright and clear wine with a pale, citrus-yellow hue. Its bouquet is intense and complex with a prevalence of citrus notes complemented by tropical fruit and floral tones. In the mouth it has lively acidity balanced by complex flavours that makes for a wine full of character. It has a fine body, an intense flavour, and a long, lingering finish."

Winery website: Sogrape.

Lunetta Prosecco NV

Lunetta Prosecco NV
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: July 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Light gold in color with silver hightlights, this sparkling wine has gentle aromas of red and green apple. Crisp and lively on the palate, the flavor is of a freshly cut apple couple with a very slight herbal character. The finish is toasty but brief.

Our rating: We enjoyed this delightful prosecco, as we often do, with a mid-morning brunch. Versatile enough to accompany the wide variety of dishes typically found on a buffet, it can also be served as a simple aperitif or with a light dessert. One to seek out, we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Enticing aromas of apple and peach give way to a palate that is refreshing, and harmonious, with crisp fruit flavors and a clean finish."

Winery website: Cavit Collection.

Conde de Caralt Cava Brut NV

Conde de Caralt Cava Brut NV
Origin: Cataluña, Spain
Blend: Macabeo (50%), Parellada (30%), Xarel-lo (20%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Silver straw in color with a good amount of long lasting bubbles, this sparkling wine is lightly scented with aromas of green apple and citrus zest. Nicely fruitful on the palate, some toast notes are introduced into the brief finish.

Our rating: This is a very pleasant wine, perfect for Sunday brunches or festive gatherings. Cavas make a great alternative to (arguably) over-priced and over-rated champagnes, and this one fits the bill nicely. We actually enjoyed our bottle just watching the sun set, so will have to pick up another to pair with a meal. We rate it well Above Average. (Note: the bottle image is somewhat different from the one tasted and rated here, notably having a gold label rather than a white one.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Brilliant straw-yellow in colour with a well-balanced mousse. Crisp and clean on the nose and elegant on the palate with a smooth and balanced finish."

Winery website: Conde de Caralt.

Dibon Cava Brut Reserve NV

Dibon Cava Brut Reserve NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo (unknown percentages)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light gold with an abundance of bubbles, this wine has aromas of golden delicious apples and pears with pleasant floral notes. Crisp and light-bodied on the palate, the slightly sweet dried fruit flavors are accompanied by a mild minerality on the palate. The finish is toasty but exceedingly brief.

Our rating: This is a very nice, if not overly complex, cava that would be an attractively priced alternative to champagne. Ideal as an aperitif or simply to enjoy sipping at sunset, it can also be paired with a light brunch or fresh mixed green salad (which is how we enjoyed our bottle). We rate it Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Gran Sarao Cava Brut NV

Gran Sarao Cava Brut NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Xarel-lo (40%), Macabeo (30%), Parellada (20%), Chardonnay (10%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light gold and gently sparkling with aromas of green apple and slight herbal notes. Quite dry -- almost too dry -- there is considerable mineral character to the flavor profile on the palate. The finish is a bit astringent with some off-notes that make it slightly unpleasant.

Our rating: We weren't impressed with this cava, which, together with prosecco, we tend to enjoy as aperitifs. We served our bottle with a chilled soup and salad course, an adequate choice. It's really not remarkable in any way, and we rate it Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale yellow, giving off light bubblers and crown making. Bouquet: Yeast touches in a fruity background of ripe apple, banana and pineapple. Taste: Good mouth tasting, with a light touch of sweetness, harmonious, fresh, elegant, tempting and with character."

Winery website: None found.

Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2008

Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2008
Origin: Portugal
Blend: "Made from a blend of native Portuguese grapes."
Alcohol Content: 9.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Pale green with silver highlights, this lightly sparkling wine has aromas of apple with citrus notes. Slightly tart and crisp, the palate leans towards lime and other citrus flavors and minerals. Not surprisingly, there is little finish.

Our rating: Vinho verdes are terrific wines to serve as aperitifs, or with appetizers (which is how we enjoyed this bottle). Light and versatile, this "green wine" should be served young. We found this wine a little too tart to our liking, but overall rate it about Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: J M Fonseca Twin Vines.

Famega Vinho Verde NV

Famega Vinho Verde
Origin: Portugal
Blend: Avesso, Azal and Pedernã (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 9.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2009
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Bright yellow in color with aromas of green apple, spice, and bell pepper, this wine is a bit fizzier than most vinho verdes. Dry and fruity on the palate, there is a refreshing mineral, almost flint character. Not much finish, nor is one typically expected, but there is a very slight sweet sensation.

Our rating: This is a very nice vinho verde (green wine), which we served at a brunch, though it would work equally well paired with appetizers or a spring mix salad. Usually consumed as young as possible, our bottle was dated 2008. We rate it slightly Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

Winery website: None found.

Nobilis Vinho Verde NV

Nobilis Vinho Verde NV
Origin: Portugal
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 9.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2009
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Straw in color with a bright aroma of green apples, this slightly sparkling wine's mineral character tends to dominate the fruit flavors on the palate. It's a bit tart on the finish and slightly unbalanced.

Our rating: In contrast to many vinho verdes, this one doesn't quite work as a sipping wine or aperitif, but rather is better consumed with food. Try it with brunch, or a spring mix of salad greens. We rate it on the low side of Average.

Note: Vinho Verdes (literally Green Wines) should be purchased as young as possible. Our bottle was stamped 2009.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Sogrape Vinhos.

Pavao Vinho Verde NV

Pavao Vinho Verde NV
Origin: Portugal
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Light gold in color with a very brief appearance of tiny bubbles, this wine is very fragrant, with aromas of tree fruit and blossoms. The initial sensation on the palate is one of harmony, but then it diverges into what can only be described as a sweet tartness. The finish is surprisingly lengthy, though maybe a little heavy on the minerals.

Our rating: This vinho verde (literally "green wine" due to its young age) may be best suited as an aperitif; it doesn't hold up well when paired with food. We did serve ours at brunch, but enjoyed it more on its own. Just for fun, we did a 50:50 mix with fresh orange juice to finish up the bottle (creating a mimosa), and found it quite refreshing. The juice helps soften some of the rough edges of the wine. Not one of the better vinho verdes we've tasted, it scores on the low side of Average. (Note: always purchase the youngest vinho verde you can find; our bottle was dated 2009.)

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Gazela Vinho Verde NV

Gazela Vinho Verde NV
Origin: Portugal
Blend: The predominant variety is Loureiro, with Pedernã, Trajadura and Azal being used in smaller amounts
Alcohol Content: 9.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $5.99

Our review: Silver straw in color with a very light effervescence, this wine has a bouquet of tree fruit (notably pear) and apple blossom. Initially slightly bitter and tart on the palate, the fruit flavors are quickly balanced by a touch of sweetness. There isn't much of a finish (nor is one really expected).

Our rating: We really enjoy vinho verdes, low in alcohol and perfect for sipping on a lazy afternoon (or really, for that matter, at any time). This one is a typical example, not exceptional, but unusually complex. We rate it on the high side of Average (and at $6, a terrific value). Most vinho verdes are non-vintage, and are best when consumed as soon as possible after bottling, so look for the most recent date you can find on the bottle (usually on the export label). This rated bottle has a 2009 date.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A very light yellow citrine colour, with a slight fizz that enhances its bouquet, flavours and freshness. Aromatic and engaging, its citrine and tropical fruit notes have a lively and stimulating acidity, very well balanced by a slight touch of sugar."

Winery website: Sogrape Vinhos.

Cantine Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero NV

Cantine Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero NV
Origin: Veneto, Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 10.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Pale straw in color, this wine has gentle aromas of citrus and citrus blossom. Lightly sparking, the palate is an interesting combination of ever so slightly sweet and ever so slightly tart citrus flavors. The nicely balanced, though brief, finish has some mineral character.

Our rating: We first reviewed this prosecco about a year ago. A non-vintage wine, we wanted to see if it was still as pleasing today as we found it then. And it is. In fact, our score sheet indicates we actually liked it slightly more. Proseccos can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but we mostly prefer our bottle as we watch the sun set, or with a light brunch. While not the best prosecco we've tried, it's certainly our favorite. Go figure. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This sparkling wine is produced in full respect of ancient traditions, using Prosecco grapes grown on the Veneto hills. It is characterised by a fine, light perlage and a fresh and aromatic perfume. It is perfect both as an aperitif and as an accompaniment to light dishes."

Winery website: Cantine Riondo.

E. Soria Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry NV

E. Soria Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry NV
Origin: Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Yellow gold in color, this lightly sparkling wine has aromas of apricot and peach, with floral notes of apple blossom. Crisp and clean on the palate, the fruit flavors are quite flavorful, almost full-bodied, and ever so slightly sweet. There isn't much of a finish (nor is one really expected) but it does exhibit a dry toast sensation.

Our rating: This is a very nice, quite refreshing prosecco, and a delight to drink, either as an aperitif, sipping on a warm afternoon while reading (which is how we enjoyed ours), or with a light salad of mixed greens. But it's priced a bit on the high side for what it is. It rates well Above Average, but it's really not an exceptional value at $11; stock up on it if it's $9 or less.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Blend: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Golden yellow in color, this sparkling wine produces an abundance of bubbles. The bouquet is of red and green apples and honey. The palate improves on the nose with expressive fruit flavors. The finish has some mineral character and is slightly astringent.

Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle at a "champagne" brunch. It is food-friendly, pairing well with the wide variety of dishes at our buffet. We don't recommend it as a sipping wine, though. The blend apparently changes considerably over time; one page of the importer's website says the blend is of ugni clanc, colombard, and chardonnay; the technical sheet (from the same website) says chenin blanc, ugni blanc, and various other grapes. The label, which we think might be the most accurate for the bottle we tasted, states ugni blanc, folle blanche, colombard. We're not sure what to make of this, only to say that the bottle we reviewed here may not be the bottle you buy. We rate ours about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Nose: Bright and fruity, this wine exudes aromas typical of chenin blanc: apples, apricots and a hint of honey. Palate: An explosion of fine bubbles followed by a smooth, fruity finish."

Winery website: Boisset Family Estates (importers).