Summer Sipper

Wow, the feats this lovely little wine pulled off. Broadbent Vinho Verde N.V., which I nabbed over the weekend for around $11, is a terrific expression of Portugal’s signature slightly effervescent white. This particular bottle is amazingly clean, slicing through an intense wheel of sun-dried tomato-and-herb farmstead goat cheese (Belle Ecorce, Red Stick Farmers Market), and later, holding its own with an arugula salad tossed with an acidic vinaigrette, spicy grilled chicken, homemade mac-and-cheese and even buttered broccoli. The grapes herein are 50% Loureiro, 40% Trajadura and 10% Pedernă, and the importer, Broadbent, claims it’s the only Vinho Verde imported in refrigerated containers. At 9% alcohol, it packs a lighter whollop than other wines, which generally hover around 13% or more. For Prosecco fans or lovers of a dry white, meet your new summer love.