2021 Vinho Verde Review: Bico Amarelo and Quinta do Ameal Loureiro
Previously we spent time with two Vinho Verde wines from Portugal’s Quinta do Ameal estate, which were new to the U.S. at the time. We tried them again in 2020 and, another vintage later, the wines, both based on the Loureiro grape, are back again. Let’s dive in.
2021 Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde Loureiro – Lots of saline, plenty of acidity. There’s a strong grapefruit vein running through this wine, and it never quite gives up on it, eventually yielding a light note lemon rind and a hint of tangerine. Salty from start to finish, with tons of minerality. I’d pair this with oysters any day, but on its own it’s a bit drying. B / $18
2021 Bico Amarelo Vinho Verde – Bright and shiny, the blend here hasn’t changed, but the citrus component is plumped up a bit this year, giving the wine more texture, more acidity, and more vibrancy than in prior vintages. Pretty lemon peel and tangerine elements pair well up front, while the finish rolls to a conclusion that’s heavy with mineral-laden grapefruit. Brisk and refreshing, even when colder weather looms. (And extremely well-priced.) A- / $12
2021 Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde Loureiro
$18
