I like vinho verde, so when it was suggested I try this one, I had no reason to say No, and a lot to look forward to. And then I read up on it. Apparently the people behind Noble Rot are also behind Chin Chin. I knew of Noble Rot as a magazine on wine, etc., with an emphasis on sustainability, but it turns out they are also three restaurants in London. Which I think I knew, and then forgot. Probably because I’m not let out very often.
In the glass
It’s light. And it’s yellow. I’m sticking with yellow. Official wine people would probably say ‘lemon,’ but for some reason, this particular shade strikes me more as ‘yellow’ than ‘lemon.’ There are very faint, very small bubbles on the glass, hinting at the petillance vinho verde is known for. The colour and the bubbles make it look very enticing, inviting you to just dive in. But I’m a wine professional, so I restrain myself.
The nose
Very, very faint, and perhaps imaginary, citrus on the nose.
The palate
Light. Petillance. Yay, petillance. Citrus. Lemon, some lime. Maybe a hint of stone fruit? Peach, not apricot.
That was me, scribbling down my initial impressions. Most wines, even if I love them, I normally reflect upon. With this one, the sensations came fast and furious. Or at least at a stiff walking pace rather than a stroll.
It’s zingy and refreshing, with a medium finish. It’s easy drinking, and would probably be well-matched to a warm summer’s day. But it’s winter in England, so I drink it in the dull greyness of a Sunday afternoon. It’s still a nice wine.
But, honestly, that’s about as far as I’m pretty to go. It comes across to me as slightly unbalanced, and perhaps a bit too much lemon. It almost leaves a citrus coating on the finish. You know how milk leaves a coating on your tongue? Like that, but with citrus.
Rating
Yummy overall. Visual – pretty.
I can’t say I’m disappointed in the wine. I’d have no problem drinking it again. But for a wine that got coverage in The Guardian as ‘the must-have tipple for middle England’ I’m a bit underwhelmed, if I’m honest. Let me be clear, I have absolutely nothing against the wine. It’s nice. It gets a ‘Yummy.’ It’s worth trying. But ‘Oh, this is why it’s so popular’? Not happening, I’m afraid.
Sustainability
Sustainable, minimal intervention.
The technical info
11.5% ABV Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura. £12.49 from King Street Cellar.