Nortico Alvarinho 2020 (Portugal) BEST BUY

Wine & Spirits Review
BEST BUY
Sweet pear nectar meets sandy mineral notes in this unctuous alvarinho, a wine to chill for summer picnics on the beach.

Wine Tasting Notes
OVERVIEW: Ask anyone for the best Alvarinho in Portugal and people will point to the extreme north to the sub-region of Moncao and Melgao, right on the border with Spain. Nortico Alvarinho is a superb example of the grapes hallmarks: fresh citrus, peach and tropical fruit aromas paired with clean, juicy fruit and vibrant minerality.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?: Nortico is from tiny vineyard plots in Moncao and Melgao, on the northern border with Spain's Galicia province - the best Alvarinho growing area in Portugal. Unlike others from the area, Nortico has no added CO2, making for a richer, fuller, well-balanced wine.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: This is a young, fresh white wine with the characteristic bright acidity and aromas of peach and grapefruit. Nortico is light and delicate, lovely as a "porch-sipping wine" to drink on its own. Have it simply with corn bread and butter like country folks do in Portugal. Also a terrific seafood wine, particularly with salty, fattier dishes like fish tacos or broiled oysters. Recommended serving temperature is 50F (10C) so the citrus and fruit aromas are well present.

GRAPE: 100% Alvarinho
Alcohol 13.5%