INSIDER'S PICK: 2013 JOAO PORTUGAL RAMOS ALVARINHO VINHO VERDE $19.99

Most people know the Vinho Verde region of Portugal for the light bodied, slightly bubbly and refreshing (if not slightly innocuous) wines that are as big a part of many people's warm weather drinking routine as a dry Rose. But few people know that wines of great quality exist here as well, even red wines! The name refers to the region, not just the wine itself, and there is a lot more focus on quality now than ever before. Many producers are featuring wines made from individual grape varieties that make up the usual Vinho Verde blend, and a recently created sub-region of Monaco e Melgaco focuses just on the Alvarinho grape. This is the same grape, no surprise, as the Albarino featured just across the border in the Spanish region of Rias Baixas, and their international success over the last few decades has more than rubbed off on Portugal. 
Rich and a bit modern in style, showing just a bit of barrel on the nose behind the creamy tropical white fruit aromas, but with all the same intensity found in the Spanish versions like we did for the Insider's Pick a few weeks ago. On the palate the round texture will delight many out there that prefer a more Chardonnay-like mouthfeel, but with no buttery side effects to get in the way of the natural melon flavors. Acidity isn't aggressive either, but good skin tannins bring a touch of melon rind zestiness to the finish. A great option to pair with some seafood dishes with bigger flavors and textures, as the body of the wine should hold up to most anything.

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