2018 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Very yummy, drinkable wine"
Mr William Gilgrass (29-Mar-2020)
"Vinho verde (from the north of Portugal) can be acid and bitter - generally when cheaper and made from the Loureiro grape - or delightfully fresh, dry, with hints of tropical fruits against a citrus background: these are generally made with the alvarinho grape predominating. They can be slightly sparkling or not. This one is very slightly sparkling. It's light and refreshing, and an excellent choice if new to vinho verde. I'd guess mostly if not solely alvarinho. These wines are not heavyweight in any sense, or keepers, but delicious and invigorating either as an aperitif or with some non-demanding platter such as fish. (Go for grilled sardines if you want the full ethnic experience; or even a mild salt cod dish such as bacalhau a bras). At this price you will not regret the purchase."
Mr Keith Evetts (28-Jan-2020)
"We have recently returned from a holiday in Portugal and I ordered this because it got decent reviews on the wine society website and I had enjoyed what we tasted whilst we were away. I very much enjoyed it and my friend, who is normally a dedicated NZ Sauvignon Blanc, also enjoyed it. I didn’t find the petulant to be terribly noticeable."
Dr Rosemary Taylor (28-Dec-2019)
"Although I’ve had some lovely vinho verde from small producers in Portugal I probably wouldn’t have ordered this as some examples in the UK have been disappointing. However, it came in a mixed case and I’ve really enjoyed it. At 12.5% abv it’s quite heavy duty for a verde, which I’d have expected to come in at or below 11%, and it’s not as obviously citrus as some"
Ms Sue Perks (15-Dec-2019)
"easy to drink nice light white "
Mrs Mary King (17-Oct-2019)
"Typical vino verde, great value at this price, enjoyed and would at to my my buy again list "
Mr Neville Clifford (17-Oct-2019)
"Very disappointing . While it has the characteristic brightness and lightness it lacks the flavour of other Vinho Verde . Very bland ."
Mr Peter Cowperthwaite (07-Sep-2019)
"
Normally I would leave a 5 Star rating for this wine - considering the price, its excellent value and great "summer" easy drinker. However our last case seems to have changed to a screw-top (not sure if that is relevant to the change) and the wine didn't have its usual spritz /va va voom!"
Miss Annabel Graham-Martin (21-Aug-2019)
Ms Pauline Thompson (14-Aug-2019)
"I was first introduced to Vinho Verde from Moncao by Portuguese friends in 1979 and became an instant devotee. It was never easy to find a wine with the authentic “spritz” in the UK but The Society has changed that with a genuine white Vinho Verde from the Moncao Cooperative which is as good as Portuguese green wine gets.
Prof. Emeritus Ian Hindmarch."
Prof Ian Hindmarch (02-Aug-2019)
"A lovely, light and easy to drink white... I just wish it was a little more 'fizzy'"
Mr John L Smyth (23-Jul-2019)
"I enjoy vinho verde and find it to be an under-appreciated wine. Wine Society is absolutely on point with its 'Society's' version. There is the that characteristic effervescent spritz then plenty of grapefruit, lemony citrus and some hints of floral blossom. In short, thoroughly charming and a great example of a budget white wine."
Mr John-Paul Featherstone (18-Jul-2019)
"Does what it says in the blurb. Light, refreshing with a little spritz. Ideal for a sunny summer lunch. "
Mr Tom Rodger (17-Jul-2019)
Mrs Orla Ritchie (29-Jun-2019)
"Light refreshing and slight fizz. Great one for the summer. Would re-order"
Mr Nathan Whittamore (11-Jun-2019)
"Very nice - refeshing, slightly spritzy, crystal clean and a delightful foil to a recent Thai meal. "
Mr R Piggott (13-May-2019)
"Love it. Crisp and dry with a slight hint of fizz. Incredible value. If you like a Belgium sour beer this will be right up your street. "
Mr Jack Edwards (30-Apr-2019)
"Bought one bottle - then bought a case. Great value for money - calls for seafood, smoked paprika almonds and olives. Fill your boots while you can."
Mr Chris Smith (26-Apr-2019)
"It is a while since we bought this and i was inspired to do so again by a review from one of the Wine Society's buyers. they were right. It is light, refreshing, the petillant effect is lovely: ideal for the recent Easter weekend heatwave in Cumbria."
Dr Celia A Caulcott (26-Apr-2019)
2018 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Daily Record (11th Jan 2020)
"A finalist in the
Great Outdoors section of the People's Choice Awards, this Portuguese white is
a longstanding favourite. Its lightness is ideal for drinking outside while
summertime is perfect for its undemanding soft apple and sherbet lemon fruit
backed by lively acidity and some welcome depth too. - Brian Elliott"
Saga Magazine (22nd Aug 2019)
"A strong contender
for my wine of the summer. It's partly down to the name. It's not a 'green
wine'. It's a ripe, refreshing one that comes from a green lush place. And for
this money you won't find better value this summer. - Joe Fattorini"
The Press Association (14th Aug 2019)
"... with its
zesty lemon-lime flavours [this], comes highly recommended. - Sam Wylie-Harris"
The Scotsman (8th Jun 2019)
"This great value
vinho verde from a large co-operative based on the Spanish-Portuguese border
has all the ingredients to refresh you on your picnic. Light lime and apple
fruits, slightly sour hints, crisp dry palate with a slight spritz giving it a
lively petillant feel - and a screwcap for easy access. - Rose Murray Brown"
2017 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Light, fruity, crisp Vinho Verde with a light spritz. Very refreshing and drinkable. "
Ms Laura Midgley (25-Sep-2019)
"Bright, light, dry and lively with quite pronounced petillance. Ideal for a summer afternoon. "
Mr John Lay (29-Jun-2019)
"A clean easy drinking Vinho verde but with little spritz. Enjoyed by guests "
Mr Michael G Kettlewell (21-Feb-2019)
"Excellent example of VV at a good price. Really enjoyed it"
Mr Jolyon Barraclough (11-Feb-2019)
"My first bottle of this just went down a treat. In fact I couldn't even remember what Vinho Verde tasted like before opening this bottle as it's been about thirty years since I last had a bottle!
So it's autumn and toasted cheese with home made tomato soup are not the ideal accompaniement however the wine was delicious and refreshing.
I do love a bit of spritz and this has it with zest! My wife loved it but said "would be better with fish" to which my reply was "moules et frites would be spot on" (before pondering how well this would go with a sea food platter in Languedoc (if your passing by) instead of Picpoul de Pinet or champagne).
I digress. In short buy lots then drink it with fish, sea food or perhaps tapas. Indulge in more in the Spring/summer.
I have a bottle of the Exhibition Vinho Verde to try next weekend!"
Mr Russell Craig (28-Oct-2018)
"Really enjoyed discovering this wine in the summer case - light and delicious , ordering more !"
Mrs Naomi Mawby (30-Aug-2018)
"Now here's a thing. As might be expected, its obvious lemony charms go really well wih mackerel, sardines, and salmon and trout but... Having lived in Yorkshire for aenough years to almost qualify for "Yorkshire" status I am reluctant to open another bottle before I've finished tje previous one; which was why I ended up drinking this with a fairly hot Chicken Jalfrezi! All the (perfectly admirable) steely lemony notes disappeared and it became a beautifully balanced, refreshing, fruity complement to a hot curry.Such is its inate quality, no weird and wonderful flavours ruined my culinary experience. Worth more than every penny.."
Mr Dominic Field (22-Jul-2018)
"Not a patch on the 2016; lacking the clean more mineral edge & the spritz"
Mr Nicholas Tilling (25-Jun-2018)
"Excellent example of everything a Vinho Verde should taste like.
Accurately described."
Miss Helen Percicoe (11-Jun-2018)
2016 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Loved this, spritzy and tasty, ordered some more!"
Ms Celia Clayton (31-Jan-2018)
"Really enjoyed this wine, very refreshing and light with just the right spritz. Excellent value for money. Will be buying again."
Mr Philip Hill (27-Jan-2018)
"Zesty, light and lovely. Great value, definitely recommend!"
Mr Rory Macdonald (26-Nov-2017)
"Spritzig, fresh and summery with some depth. Lovely garden wine, goat's cheese salad or scallops. Good value at the price."
Mr Peter McFarlane (08-Nov-2017)
"Wow! This 2016 is rather good. After the disappointing 2015, back to form for a favourite. Gentle but persistent pétillance, zippy acidity and a touch of fruit for balance, it's hard not to quaff all at once."
Mr Andras Salamon (18-Sep-2017)
"I found this quite pleasant with some smoked salmon and mixed olives. It would have been even better if the sun had stayed out."
Mr Ray Mount (30-Jul-2017)
"Absolute cracker. Liked VVs for a long time - it's an excellent value white if you want easy drinking, light and fresh. We'll be ordering a half doz."
Mr Mark Leach (21-Jun-2017)
"What's not to like? It's the real the real McCoy at a realistic price and great for those summer lunches and BBQ's as well - it's a light refreshing quaff on its own as well!"
Mr Andrew Vander Meersch (08-Jun-2017)
"The Society have got it absolutely right this year. I found the last couple of vintages disappointing, with a lack of guts and style, and much preferred the Quinta de Azevedo for a quid more. This year it's spot on. All the typical characteristics you expect, with a delightful spritz, very dry but not remorselessly acidic, with bags of character."
Mr Kevin Barry (02-Jun-2017)
"Added this to try in my first order - bright, lemon zest with refreshing elderflower flavours and slight petillance as expected. Enjoyed with a barbeque and equally drinkable on it's own the next day. The lower alcohol level may even permit a soupçon at lunchtime! Will definitely order more."
Mr Callum Montgomery (30-May-2017)
"3.5 stars
Good value. This is textbook vinho verde. Fresh and with a little fizz that only makes it better. It's an excellent aperitif and goes well with salty snacks and light foods. Uncomplicated and zesty."
Mr Rafael Goncalves (14-May-2017)
"Loved it. Simple, slight sparkle and lots of charm. Good to have in the fridge at all times."
Mr Michael Ahlquist (04-May-2017)
2016 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Mail on Sunday (24th Sep 2017)
"… a steal ...a trove
of snappy, peachy, minerally treasure. - Olly Smith"
2015 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Excellent value for a vinho verde very similar to what you get in Portugal, it has effervescence as well which is unusual for most I've had in the UK.
Will be buying again."
Mr Graeme Parnell (26-May-2017)
"Very enjoyable wine. Light and zesty with a refreshing crispness."
Mr James Small (23-Apr-2017)
"Nice and light with a slight fizz. Very enjoyable!"
Mr Henry Price-Haworth (28-Feb-2017)
"Sharp, acidic and thin in the extreme. Tried hard over the past year to grow to like it when delivered as part of a mixed case, but with no success. It's the only wine I've ever bought from The Society that's not reasonably acceptable to a pretty accomodating set of taste buds."
Mr Elliot Hepburn-John (20-Jan-2017)
Mr Eain Green (25-Nov-2016)
"Outside our usual comfort zone. We enjoyed it more the second day - refreshing and quite interesting."
Mr Edward Griffin (01-Sep-2016)
Mr Richard Baptista (26-Aug-2016)
Mrs Patricia E Bacchus (23-Aug-2016)
"Great cheap summer glugger. I prefer the extra fizz in this wine to other more expensive Verdes."
Mr Iain Gosling (11-Aug-2016)
"This is the slightly sparkling version and amongst my friends it goes down very well.
I did a blind test against the exhibition equivalent (non sparkly) and the society one wins hands down. I'd say they gave the exhibition 3 to 4 stars and the society one the full 5.
Its a summer party, drinking sociably not seriously wine."
Mr Daniel Tregear (11-Aug-2016)
"It's a delight to sip this wine on a summer's evening; a lively spritz, bone dry, granny smith's apples come to mind. Wonderful value, less than six quid, eat your heart prosecco!"
Mr Tom Bulley (04-Aug-2016)
"This is an uncomplicated, yet delightfully refreshing wine, with savoury characteristics, hints of olives on the palate, and a clean waxy finish. Good value for money, and easy drinking in the summer with grilled fish or chicken."
Dr Lucy Yang (25-Jun-2016)
"Serve well chilled with a barbecue - fantastic summer time drinking, and one of the best value wines on the site. As mentioned by others it's vibrancy is extreme with the combination of acidity and dryness, but I regularly buy a couple of bottles each order during summer"
Mr Ben Whittle (08-Jun-2016)
"A perfect summer wine at a reasonable price. The first glass was slightly spritzy with noticeable acidity and a reasonable amount of fruit. The final glass the following day was more mellow, fruity and unctuous. An ideal picnic or seafood wine or enjoy on its own."
Dr Brian Carr (22-May-2016)
"Simple, uncomplicated and refreshing. The colour is very pale straw-green and the scent of strong biting citrus acid is dominating. On pouring, there is a playful amount of effervescence which soon fades. The taste is straightforward and direct: bone-dry juicy lime. Some may call this austere but I love high acid wines and this wine was a delight with the warm summer air and a spicy BBQ.
Fantastic value for money for a simple, straightforward wine. Don't be too critical!"
Mr Brett Carrington (14-May-2016)
"It's certainly spritzy; halfway to fizzy. Also thin and a bit sour. I almost spat it out! Avoid"
Dr Max Hookway (03-May-2016)
2015 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Reader's Digest (1st Aug 2016)
"My pick of the bunch
[of wines low in alcohol](and it's nothing to do with the price!). Crisp and
clean with a gentle effervescence, which makes each glass feel like an
occasion. - Rachel Walker"
The Times (25th Jun 2016)
"
Top 100
wines, summer 2016: What could be more summery than a refreshing, floral,
tongue-tingling, only 11.5 per cent alcohol glass of vinho verde? It is
bristling with the alvarinho and trajadura grape’s sparky, spritzy, aromatic,
verdant fruit. Fish such as mackerel love this lean but lively zingy white —
and it’s perfect for a summer party.
- Jane MacQuitty
"
2014 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Very disappointing."
Dr Paul Rasdale (13-Aug-2016)
"The 2014 vintage is starting to get a bit 'tired' - still drinkable but it has lost its earlier freshness and a slight musty off-note is apparent"
Mr John Purse (10-Mar-2016)
"We've just consumed a bottle of this wine with a cheese fondue. It's absolutely perfect -- lively, with plenty of acidity but not too much. A bargain at the price."
Mr Nick Chadwick (27-Nov-2015)
"Apple and citrus. Light mineral with some richness on the finish. Slight dry carbonation on the tongue like from sparkling mineral water but far less intense. This is a straight forward wine (as it should be) but it doesn't have any lack of interest. Perfectly balanced and very high quality. I've never had a white from a supermarket for £6 that doesn't have a rustic or a slightly off taste, however this is totally pure. If it was exactly what I wanted for an occasion would pay double for it. Stunning wine at a rock bottom price."
Mr Anthony O'Halloran (14-Nov-2015)
"These days the cost of wine creeps up in an almost furtive manner where suddenly you are paying £9.00 for an average bottle of wine from one of the more upmarket supermarkets. For many years I drifted away from The Wine Society (I've been a member for 21 years) but it is this sort of wine that has brought me back. £5.95 for this wine is outrageously inexpensive, it's beautifully balanced and the spritz gives it even more summer charm. Buy it - that's all."
Mr David J Ferguson (10-Aug-2015)
"Even better than the 2013. Bright and spritzy, with an aspirin-like minerality but nary a trace of austerity thanks to just the right amount of lemony fruit. All we need now is the summer weather to go with it... Come on buyers!"
Mr Edgar Bettridge (03-Jun-2015)
2014 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Guardian (30th Jan 2016)
"Refreshingly spritzy. - Fiona Beckett"
Daily Mail (1st Aug 2015)
"Crisp, clean and
lemony, with a delightful touch of spritz, this is the UK’s best value Vinho
Verde right now. Portugal’s most famous style of white wine has never looked so
neat, tidy and also great value. - Matthew Jukes"
2013 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"This has become one of our favourite staples. Light and refreshing but not lacking in depth of taste. Slight bubble makes it celebratory and low alcohol makes it very acceptable. Reminds us of lazy holiday lunchtimes in the Portuguese sunshine. What's not to like?"
Ms Jane Harrington (16-Mar-2015)
"A great Vinho Verde, especially for the price. Light on the palate, just a bit of sweetness and that slight sparkle you expect from a green wine. At 11.5%, you can get into a bottle of this and not worry (too much!). My only issue - it makes me wish for a summers evening. This wine would be perfect. I will order a case in preparation. For now, I'll just have to do with using is as a mid-winter pick me up.
"
Mr Tom Watts (13-Jan-2015)
"A European white of this price bracket has no right to be this fresh over a year after harvest. Spritzy, dry, bright and non-aromatic, with no oak: fantastic."
Mr Edgar Bettridge (29-Nov-2014)
"Wonderful, refreshing wine. Has a reliable spritz which emphasises the youthful verve of this wine nicely. Fine by itself, great with fish - try it with trout."
Mr Kevin Barry (09-May-2014)
"A definite spritz and very refreshing. Better than I had expected and definitely a wine worth considering for those sunny weekend lunchtimes and evenings to come!"
Mr Peter Holpin (16-Apr-2014)
"Light, fruity, fresh. Think I was lucky, seem to have had a second fermentation in the bottle as I have bubbles!"
Mr Graeme Grady (28-Mar-2014)
2013 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Western Mail (2nd Aug 2014)
"A lively little
mover. A brisk nose of crisp grassy notes and crunchy white fruits, while in
the mouth the crisp green apple has an underpinning of citrus lemon notes. The
apple fruit then battles its way through the mid-palate to the refreshing
finish. - Neil Cammies"
Wine-pages.com (13th Jun 2014)
"Only 11.5 abv, this
is a blend of 60% Alvarinho and 40% Trajedura with a lovely hint of waxiness
and Riesling-like lift and apple. The palate is clean and fresh, but has that
rounding waxy hint against the plentiful lime and lemon acidity. Fresh as a daisy
and truly delicious for summer drinking. - Tom Cannavan"
2012 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Bought a couple of bottles on a whim, thought it did exactly what it said on the tin, fresh, great aperitif, good palate cleanser at this time of year, would suit an outdoor summer lunch when the sun does eventually shine."
Mr Thomas Shelley (27-Dec-2013)
"Verde may well be an acquired taste, but for those who do enjoy these wines, this is a very good example. Easy to drink, very light on the fizz and a refreshingly low alcohol level."
Mr Nicholas R L Hawtrey (17-Dec-2013)
"'Verde' is the word, this tasted very sharp and unripe. I know this is how verde is meant to taste: if you like verde you may like this, but not for me."
Dr Brian Murray (20-Nov-2013)
"Comments from our U3A winetasting group were:
Pale straw colour, very slightly sparking, citrus aroma, taste of green apples/citrus, little aftertaste. 5/10"
Dr Paul Martinez (23-Aug-2013)
"I bought this wine on the strength of a review by the Sunday Times, something I'll never do again. It's slightly acidly with nothing else going for it. It's even difficult to open as the cork is smaller than normal."
Mr Andrew J O'Neill (18-Aug-2013)
2012 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Daily Telegraph (30th Nov 2013)
"Lithe, bright, gentle
wine to suit those who like pinot grigo/picpoul. Very slight prickle. What I
call an invisible wine – light and refreshing. - Victoria Moore"
House & Garden (Nov 2013)
"With Louisa Carter's
Oysters with grapefruit-and-gin granita a really crisp, light, well-chilled
bone-dry white can go very well … a good vinho verde is spot on. - Joanna Simon"
Scotland on Sunday (6th Oct 2013)
"
Floral apple and lemon flavours that are given an
interesting twist of cumin without compromising its credentials as
straightforward wine for all seasons. - Brian Elliott
"
The Lady (20th Sep 2013)
"I love this citric,
chalky and spritzy Portuguese white. - Henry Jeffreys"
York Press (14th Sep 2013)
"
... impressive at the price ... Dry, fresh and
clean tasting, it suggests grapefruit and pear, with some mineral notes and
some characteristic Vinho Verde spritz. It would be a perfect match with
grilled sardines, or any uncomplicated fish dish for that matter. - Mike Tipping
"
The Mail on Sunday (1st Sep 2013)
"…snappy … top value … Olly Smith"
Sunday Life (11th Aug 2013)
"This is a perfect summer lunch wineas it's
slightly lower in alcohol at 11.5% and is really dry, crisp and has a slight
spritz to it, great with seafood and salads. - Paula
Gracey"
Manchester Evening News (3rd Aug 2013)
"… a great example of what this slightly spritzy
green-tinged wine has to offer. - Andy
Cronshaw"
The Newcastle Journal (30th Jul 2013)
"This is a mouthwatering 2012
blend of alvarinho and trajadura. It's dry, with the usual slight fizz,
tang-fresh lemony fruit and just a savoury touch of liver-salts I'm not sure
how they've managed it, but it costs just £5.95 - superb value. - Helen
Savage "
Belfast News Letter Group (20th Jul 2013)
"Incredibly easy-drinking, delightfully dry, very slightly sparkling. Seductive, elegant, full of bright, sharp citrus flavours which mingle alongside hints of mineral in this light-bodied drop making a great aperitif. - Raymond Gleug"
manchesterconfidential.com (22nd Jul 2013)
"Just 11 per cent and rakingly fresh it comes from courtesy of the skilled Monção co-op, where the traditional Alvarinho and Trajadura varieties benefit from modern vinification techniques. A real bargain for an un undervalued Portuguese speciality. - Neil Sowerby"
The Doncaster Star/The Sheffield Star (20th Jul 2013)
"Traditionally styled Vinho Verde, delicately fragrant and with refreshingly light spritz on the palate. Very dry, but full of flavour at a great price. Good with prawns."
Various (13th Jul 2013)
"Splashes into the glass like sea foamily glancing onto a pebble. The bubbles frizzle, frazzle and disappear. On the nose there’s refreshing pears apples and ... well, garden daisies? Spritzy summer sipping. - Jane Clare"
The Sunday Times (14th Jul 2013)
"Feather-light Portuguese white, with a hint of sugar but a dry, citrusy core. Liable to cause silliness despite having only 11.5% ABV - Bob Tyrer"