Wines to cool a hot summer

It’s the muggy season here in our nation’s capital. On days like these, when it seems that gills are required to breathe, it’s time to seek relief in refreshing summer wines. Since the heat is leaving me lethargic, I am going to keep this simple and recommend a single source to quench your thirst: Vinho Verde.

Vinho Verde (pronounced VEEN-yo VEHRD) is produced in northwest Portugal, where locals have long sipped their way through sultry summers. Translated, it means “green wine,” but this is a reference to its youthfulness, not its hue. Vinhos tend to be pale yellow or straw-colored, and they offer the slightest touch of effervescence — frizzante — on the palate. The bubbles, which foam and quickly subside, fall somewhere between those found in Orangina and a traditional sparkling wine.

Vinhos are traditionally made from several grapes that you’ve probably never heard of, like Alvarinho, Loureiro and Trajadura. Remembering them is not important; all you need to do is remember VV and look for a tall, slender green bottle.

The Portuguese are not alone in their affinity for Verdes. More than 60 percent of the production is exported to more than 70 countries. As a result these wines are easy to find, and there are many to choose from. I like the offering from Quinta de Aveleda, arguably the premier producer of Vinho. The family-run estate has a 300-year history of making quality wines from carefully grown grapes.

Its Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde 2009 ($8) expresses bold, crisp green apple; grapefruit; and lemon-lime flavors from start to finish. Amid these sharp flavors, a subtle creaminess emerges and recedes. One wine review describes it as “simple, easy to drink, with nice citrus flavors and a gentle scrubbing, like your cat’s tongue licking butter from your fingertips.” I’m not sure how Aveleda or the ASPCA would feel about that sentiment, but it is accurate (albeit strange).

Because Verdes are lower in alcohol than most wines (10 percent, when most others are 13), they lend themselves to bigger, bracing gulps. I prefer them as an aperitif, though they are that rare perfect complement to salads.

These wines are uniquely energizing and vivacious. Think Charo in a glass. If the heat and humidity are causing you to be sluggish this summer, pop open a bottle and awaken your senses.

Derek M. LaVallee, director of public relations services at KG Partners and certified wine buff, can be reached This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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