Post script: everybody’s doing it – Howards Folly Alvarinho 2010 Vinho Verde

Just a quick post today, indeed post script, following up on last Monday’s blog (here) about the popularity of Vinho Verde amongst winemakers from other regions of Portugal.

I mentioned that it prompted me to stick a bottle of the maiden vintage of Howards Folly Alvarinho 2010 Vinho Verde in the fridge.  It has since graced my wine glass on two consecutive nights (both glasses from the same bottle) and, as I expected, David Baverstock shows a sure hand with this, Portugal’s flagship white grape variety.

In some respects, with its zesty citrus attack and creamier, honeyed tropical fruit salad mid-palate and mineral finish (not to mention the label), it reminds me of Herdade do Esporao Reserva Branco, also made by Baverstock somewhat further south of Vinho Verde, in Alentejo.  Only, given its northern roots, it’s zingier and unoaked of course.

Sourced from the Alvarinho-focused Vinho Verde sub-region of Melgaco, it packs an impressive (fruit) punch, with its greengage and citrus bite and I’m very sure consumers will love it.  It sells for £12.95 at Hercules Wine Warehouse.