Portugal’s far-north Vinho Verde DOC (pronounced VEEN-yo VAIR-deh) takes its name from “green” as in young wines meant to be enjoyed fresh, as well as the lush green of the landscape. Geographically, Vinho Verde sits near 41°N latitude, akin to California’s Crescent City, yet it’s markedly cooler and wetter due to the direct Atlantic influence and granite-based soils. Though today known for bright, fruity, slightly effervescent whites, the region produced mostly red wines until the 1980s, when tastes shifted toward lighter, low-alcohol styles ideal as an apéritif. “Patio Pounder” is winemaker Alberto Orte’s playful take on that tradition, sourced in Penafiel from the Vinha Grande and Vinha da Vessada sites with sandy soils over granite at 100–500 m elevation. The blend is 50% Loureiro, 40% Fernão Pires and 10% Arinto, harvested in multiple tries, fermented in stainless steel and aged three months on the lees. It clocks in at just 10% ABV and comes in a 1-liter bottle built for sharing. Expect lemon/lime, green apple, and jasmine, a granite-tinged minerality, ripe peach/apricot, and a saline, zesty finish. Great with oysters, grilled shrimp, calamari, citrus-dressed salads, fresh cheeses (feta, mild blue), spicy Asian or Mexican fare, or just a patio chair.