MARK'S MUSES
APRil
2, 2024
Mark Gmur, CWE
IT’S TIME FOR VINHO VERDE
TO STAND UP!
Vinho Verde is most often overlooked for By The Glass Pours in favor of other more instantly recognizable varietals European or International regions, such as those from Italy, Spain, or New Zealand.
Now that Spring is upon us, I muse today that Vinho Verde is a fresh and vibrant Portuguese wine that is not only delicious, but also boasts unique qualities that sets it apart from other wines that you would find on any average By The Glass list in an On-Premise chain in the U.S today.
I’d like to propose that Vinho Verde can become a standout selection in any By The Glass program. It is time for Vinho Verde to stand up and be noticed!
I muse today that Vinho Verde is a fresh and vibrant Portuguese wine that is not only delicious, but also boasts unique qualities that sets it apart from other wines that you would find on any average By The Glass list in an On-Premise chain in the U.S today. I’d like to propose that Vinho Verde can become a standout selection in any By The Glass program. It is time for Vinho Verde to stand up and be noticed!
Vinho Verde, which translates literally to “green wine,” refers not to its color but to the region in which it is produced. Located in the northwest of Portugal, the Vinho Verde region is known for its lush green landscapes, cool Atlantic climate, and fertile soil. These factors contribute to the creation of wines that are light, crisp, and full of character.
But first things first; how do you pronounce Vinho Verde? Obviously, this is something of utmost importance for your staff as well as your guests. You want them to feel comfortable when presenting it, right?. Say it with me now – Vinho is pronounced “veen-yo””. The “ver” sound like the “ver” in “verification”, and drop a d at the end as in “ver-d”. Therefore Vinho Verde is pronounced along these lines: Veen-yo Ver-d.
So, what makes Vinho Verde a great wine to add to your program? Well, its low in alcohol, priced very reasonably and will provide a new style that you do not offer, unlike any other on your BTG selections.
Let’s talk a little more about the style of wine that is Vinho Verde. One of the most distinct characteristics of the wine is its slight effervescence, which is natural and comes from a small amount of residual carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. The result is a slight fizz or spritz on the palate, adding a refreshing and lively touch to every sip. I would bet that from a wine-style perspective, there is most likely nothing else like it listed on your By The Glass selections.
Another hallmark of Vinho Verde is its lower alcohol content, typically ranging between 8 to 11%. This is completely on trend and makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a light and easy-drinking wine; a perfect aperitif as well as a lovely wine to accompany a meal.
Vinho Verde is a region, not a grape. Vinho Verde is in fact a blend of white grape varietals, crafted mainly from any combination of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties such as Alvarinho (aka Albariño), Pederna (aka Arinto) Loureiro, Avesso and Trajadura. Each of these grapes contributes to the wine’s unique flavor profile, which is often described as citrusy, with notes of green apple, pear, and a subtle herbal undertone.
The best thing however is the price and the affordability of the wine itself, which you can help to drive a lot of trial. The Mark Wine Group is a proud representative of one the market leaders in the United States, Broadbent Vinho Verde, which comes in at a very reasonable price of $7.50/bottle.
So, the next time you are writing a new BTG list and wondering how you can make it more interesting, forget listing two or three Pinot Grigios. Throw in a Vinho Verde and give your staff and customers something to talk about and at the same time discover a new wine region. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain, especially more sales and more interest in your wine program!