2023 Quinta da Lixa, Escolha, Alvarinho, Loureiro and Trajadura, Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal.
Quinta da Lixa makes a wide range of Vinho Verde wines, sourced from different vineyards and combinations of native varietals, but leans heavily on the Alvarinho (Albarino) grape, as seen here in their brilliant and mineral crisp Escolha Branco Vinho Verde DOC bottling. This 2023 is lightly spritzy with vibrant acidity and precise detailing, it shows off a classic saline infused bone dry light framed palate of racy citrus, tart peach and apple fruits, bitter almond, a light sense of herbs, lime blossom and wet stones. This about 11% natural alcohol zingy white wine really should be bottled in magnums and quaffed all day long during the Summer months, so good, the blend of Alvarinho, Loureiro and Trajadura of this Lixa Vinho Verde Escolha makes for an elevated example of this regional wine. This all stainless steel Quinta da Lix estate grown Vinho Verde is a wine I highly recommend with beach picnics, lightly briny dishes and or oysters fresh from the sea!
It is said that Quinta da Lixa is a living embodiment of the Meireles family’s passion for their Vinho Verde (green wine), located in the Sousa subregion, near to Lixa, which is just a small village in the cooler northern area of Portugal, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The main production facility was completed in 1994 and is all stainless steel tanks inside and is responsible for an astonishing amount and array of Vinho Verde wines, all crafted to provide joy and value to the world, Quinta da Lixa is definitely a go to for quality and freshness. Usually simple and non pretentious these Vinho Verde wines are fabulous as Summer sippers and excellent with sea foods, especially lighter meals and long relaxed meals, they are best fresh, but this 2023 Lixa version is still absolutely delightful. The 2024 should be arriving soon, but it is worth it to find this 2023 and stock up for the coming warm months ahead. These wines are almost always 100% stainless steel fermented and aged with the capture of small amounts of CO2, hence the delicate spritz you find, adding to the fresh, lively and fun personality.
($13 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive