In Porto, I remember eating sardines grilled outside a little restaurant near the sea accompanied by gulps of chilled vinho verde. It’s easier to find the wine here now, and this bottling is well worth seeking out. Look for the characteristic tall slope-shouldered shape and the distinctive Trajarinho label.

Pour a glass: It tastes alive. It’s similar to Spain’s Txakoli, only the grapes get more sun in Portugal, so you have not only that bracing snap of acidity but also beautiful ripe fruit.

Enjoy it with grilled sardines or any grilled fish. It’s ideal for tapas, bruschetta, smoked fish and sushi too.

● Region: Portugal

● Price: About $11

● Style: Dry and crisp

● What it goes with: Grilled fish, tapas, bruschetta, sushi

By S. Irene Virbila

(Los Angeles Times)

(MCT Information Services)