A big bowl of homemade guacomole paired with a glass of Vinho Verde is a perfect snack for a hot summer afternoon or just about anytime! Let’s be honest, there’s just something sinfully delicious about creamy, decadent avocados slathered on a crunchy, salty tortilla chip. There are a handful of wines that pair well with guacamole, but one of the best pairings is Vinho Verde. This pairing is the epitome of summer.

Vinho Verde wines come from the coastal northwest region of Portugal and are perhaps one of the best white wine values out there. You can literally pick up a pretty good bottle for under $10! Most of these wines aren’t necessarily thought provoking or super complex, but they are perfect with simple salads, shellfish and guacamole or just grab a glass and enjoy it as your summer sipper. Go easy on the spice when pairing food with this wine.

Vinho Verde is made with a variety of grapes including Alvarinho, Avesso, Loureiro, Pedernã and Trajadura.  The style will reflect which varieties are used in the final blend.  The hallmark for this type of wine is characterized by its high acidity due to the climate in which its grown. Many of these wines also have a slight effervescence that is wonderfully refreshing with lots of citrus fruit.

While a broad range of easy drinking Vinho Verde can be found for under $10, there are more serious, complex wines out there that fall under the name Vinho Verde and the quality level and price tag reflects this.  It’s always fun to grab a couple bottles at two different price points and see for yourself if you can taste the difference.

One of my favorites right now is the Monte Cascas.  This wine boasts aromas of fresh squeezed key lime juice, honeydew melon & agave nectar tantalize your senses. This a light, dry & crisp summer wine with piercing acidity. It’s the perfect accompaniment to an array of fresh Mexican dishes especially Guacamole with lime infused tortilla chips.