Region: Portugal
I love Vinho Verde. Wine made from its or Torrontes's grapes convinced me I’d given white wines too hard of a time when they became popular in the last few years. So I’m always happy to try another bottle of the stuff. The Broadbent Vinho Verde has a delicious nose of limes, minerals, and flowers. The minerals are especially strong.
On drinking, a bubbly undercurrent surprises me. It's not bothersome, though it makes the lime more astringent. That lime is predominant in the glass. The secondary flavors are kumquat and dandelion stems—yes, I am well familiar with dandelion stems from my childhood. Fleeting sweetness gives way to a lively tartness with a quinine tang.
This wine has a lot of typical Vinho Verde characteristics, but it’s too astringent and too lacking in anything else of note to be a keeper for me. There are much better Vinho Verde options.
Other Bloggers’ Thoughts
The aromas in this wine are an intriguing mix of sweet citrus, clover and spring greens. You get a bit of a tingle on the tongue from the light-but-persistent fizz. Sweet melon and tangerine flavors play against bright lemon and lime. This is a charming wine that's lean and lively but not austere.
The Broadbent delivers excellent value with a down to earth attitude. The zesty, crisp, citrusy fruit notes are fun to give a quick swish in your mouth. Your cheeks salivate as the slight effervescence wakes up your palate. Floral and pear-like, Broadbent is not a sweet wine but a flavorful nectar that feels like biting into a fresh spring day.
The People's Palate with Rich Mauro
This delightful wine (at a great price) opens with the impression of a light sparkling wine and that is confirmed in the mouth with fairly significant spritz. A touch of fresh green apple and a clean finish makes this a great quaffer.
Last Thoughts from the Gourmez: My compatriots clearly disagree with me on this wine! It may be worth your Vinho-Verde-loving glass after all.
Reviewed 3 January 12.
