wUst Fine Wine Imports
wines U should try!
Via Latina
Via Latina is the brand for a collaborative project of small growers in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal. The growers are all independent small farms and together they also use the administrative and marketing services of a co-op in the area named Vercoope. I was very impressed with the expressiveness of their single varietal wines and the purity of fruit behind the wines and have selected three separate varietals (two whites, Azal and Loureiro, and an Espadeiro Rose) and also a white blend of Arinto, Loureiro, and Trajadura.
The Wines
Azal 2018
Aromas are of green apple, honeydew melon, clover honey, peach blossoms, and narcissus. Flavors include honeydew melon, white peaches, mild lemon, and hint of spice and pear. There is medium body, perfectly balanced across the palate, and refreshing acidity.
Food pairings would include shrimp, crab, oysters, broiled scallops, seabass, seafood salads and pasta, jambalaya, chicken, pork, Asian chicken, pork, and vegetable stir frys, Asian vegetable salads, Vietnamese food, mild yellow curries, chile relleno, chicken suiza, and creamy cheeses.
Loureiro 2018
Aromas are of honeysuckle, white flowers, mild gardenia, and a hint of lime. Flavors are of green apple, mild cantaloupe, star fruit, and lychee. There is medium body but also with a “light and refreshing” feeling as the wine goes across your palate. Overall the wine is perfectly balanced, has perfect acidity, and a fun somewhat spicy finish.
Food pairings would be shrimp, halibut, scallops, seafood salads and pasta, chicken, gnocchi with cream sauce, Asian vegetable and chicken stirfrys, Asian vegetable salads, chile verde, mild curries, and medium cheeses.
Branco Escolha 2018
This is a blend of 35% Arinto, 35% Loureiro, and 30% Trajadura. Aromas are of white flowers, mild lemon, and mild honey. Flavors include honeydew melon, hints of cantaloupe, white peaches, Granny Smith apples, and hints of cherries. There is light to medium body but with a contrasting sense of lightness as the wine flows across your palate but which is then combined with a fully saturated and refreshing sensation. There is perfect balance and acidity and a very refreshing finish.
Food pairings would include crab, shrimp, swordfish, seafood pasta, chicken, pork, Asian pork and chicken dishes, mild and medium curries, chile verde, chicken enchiladas, and medium and creamy cheese.
Espadeiro Rose 2018
Aromas are of mild strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, along with hints of red plums. Flavors include strawberries, mild cherries, pink lady apples, and yellow plums. There is a very refreshing medium body, perfect balance and acidity, and a full finish.
Food pairings include crab, shrimp, salmon, seafood pasta, chicken, pork, ground lamb such as burgers or Middle Eastern food, medium curries, charcuterie, and mild cheeses.
