Sem Igual Vinho Verde 2019 (750ml)

Concentrated, energetic, and age-worthy are words one would not typically use when describing Vinho Verde, but Sem Igual is upping the ante for this region known for its light, effervescent styles of wine. Sousa, in southeastern Vinho Verde, right on the Douro River, has a non-existent reputation in the fine wine world. Small farmers typically sell to large producers, but João and Leila Camizão are truly making wines in their own category. The nose is intensely mineral yet sunny and bright, with a very rocky minerality framed by subtle pomaceous fruit, almond skin, and wildflowers. On the palate, the wine explodes with a balance of glycerol breadth and sky-high acidity that lingers, lingers, lingers. Bright, fresh, yet powerful and lasting. A serious wine at a porch-pounding price. Pairing: Tapas, tinned fish, tacos, oysters, aperitivo Grapes: 70% Arinto and 30% Azal Soil: Granitic sand Viticulture: Organic