With a delightful 11.5% alcohol, costing under $14, and scoring 16 points on the Dionysian scale of a possible 20, the 2017 Vila Nova Vinho Verde has citrus, tropical, and crisp mineral notes. It is refreshing and easy to drink.

Like many Vinho Verde wines, it has a subtle spritz to increase its freshness. I let this one age a bit to see it develop and learn if it would hold up. We’re taught to drink them on release, but the do last a few years, and they do develop a bit more complexity in the taste.

We served it with white fish and a number of different veggies. It worked well and proved that you can have good wines with dinner at cost less than the food.

The wine is imported by Quintessential of Napa, CA and should be sought out. The wine is perfect as a reception wine, an all purpose wine, so have it chilled and ready as guests arrive. In Vino Veritas.