Cavas Novas Vinho Verde 2014, Portugal

Cavas Novas Vinho Verde 2014, Portugal
Around €14.50

Lively lemon and pear fruits with a touch of citrus pith. Lovely weight of fruit with a bit of depth, and a crisp dry finish. Drink as an aperitif or with lighter seafood dishes.

Oysters or mussels cooked with a drop of the same wine and plenty of parsley?

Arriving shortly in Ireland. Look out for it in independent wine shops.

Time was when most Vinho Verde was light, fizzy and sweet. Not any more; over the last five years, the region has transformed itself and now produces wines that compare favourably with Rías Baixas just over the border in Spain. Alvarinho is the most obvious comparison, but Arinto, Loureiro and Avesso can all produce fresh zippy wines with lovely mouth-watering plump fruits.