Dirk Niepoort is the luminary behind Oporto’s venerable Niepoort house. Dócil is Niepoort’s project in Portugal’s Vinho Verde zone. Casting a pale green-gold color, the 2017 Dócil opens with aromas of pear skin, lime zest, gardenia blossoms, and juniper. Registering a lithe 11% alcohol, the wine freshens the palate with pear and lime fruit complicated by hints of lemon zest, linden, and fresh ginger. Long, lingering, and both serious and refreshing, the Loureiro finishes with expressions of salty granitic minerals, grapefruit, and freshly chopped lemongrass. Folks, this is a world-class white wine for a pittance. Fans of Chenin, Riesling, Viognier, Albariño and Arneis should take special note and plan to pick up a case of this beauty for enjoyment now and over the coming three years with shellfish, nigiri, sashimi, and light potato and vegetable tapas. It will also pair famously with mildly spiced Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
An April 2019 newsletter selection
