One of the most underrated wine regions is Portugal’s Vinho Verde. Grown in the lush rolling hills of the Entre Douro e Minho, the wines are influenced by the soil and climate evidenced in the many shades of green from which the area draws its name.

Vinho Verde wines are bright and fresh. For white wines, they are surprisingly intense.

Joao Portugal Ramos is Portugal’s most famous winemaker, and his wines are readily available.

In a recent presentation by the DO Vinho Verde at River North’s Tanta Peruvian restaurant, hosted by DO Vinho Verde Commission Marketing Representative Mario Mata, with a presentation by Vinho Verde Ambassador Jeff Harding, the unique wines were paired with a chef’s selection of seafood dishes that brought out the unique characteristics of the wines.

Presented were three flights that included four wines, each flight focusing on the varying climates and soil types that make each of these wines an adventure.

The wealth of flavor and elegance was a revelation.

Here is a sampling of favorites encountered at the tasting, along with the succulent food pairings from Tanta.

Quinta de Santa Teresa 2022-$19.97 paired with a chef’s selection of ceviche with red onions, cilantro and leche de tigre

This is a full-bodied, aromatic white wine from the terraced vineyards along the border of Vinho Verde and the Douro in Portugal. Full-bodied and aromatic, this flavorful white wine is brimming with flavors of green apples, limes, pears, and a hint of pineapple. It’s the perfect wine to pair with ceviche, sushi or any kind of shellfish and this selection of ceviche drenched in lime with cilantro and red onions showed it off nicely. This is a great wine to keep in the fridge for a summer lunch of aperitif on the patio.

Quinta da Lixa, Pouco Comum Alvarinho 2022-$8 with Scallops and Parmesan leche de tigre

This is a phenomenal white wine at an extremely affordable price. Flowery notes with hints of lemonade and tropical fruit, this is the go-to wine of summer. At this price, keep a case on hand. Fresh seafood, grilled or lightly sautéed with a splash of lemon or served as sliced ceviche or sushi with crisp Romaine salad is the way to go. A creamy shrimp linguine is a nice early romantic meal at sunset.

J Portugal Ramos Loureiro 2021-$10 with Charred Spanish Octopus, olive sauce and piquillo chips.  Most Americans aren’t that familiar with octopus, but it’s eaten with gusto all over Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean and in many seaside countries. In the U.S., folks who live along the Gulf Coast and in California may also be more familiar. At many Greek and Southern Italian restaurants in the States, it’s a common grilled appetizer. Anyway, if you haven’t, you really ought to try it. It’s actually quite pleasant. With a terrific white blend like J Portugal Ramos Loureiro, its elegant aromas and citrus and floral notes really dance on the nose and on the tongue. Other light meals that include salmon, snapper or chicken Parmesan or a nice quiche or omelets with fresh herbs and mushrooms are a nice idea. At just $10 a bottle, you can’t go wrong.

Passion fruit mousse with a pineapple and mango comfit with frozen berries and chocolate crumbs was the dessert. With the mixture of fruit flavors, it was a bit challenging to find a proper pairing. The wines of Vinho Verde are so versatile and affordable, almost anyone will do. All the wines are between $8 and $20. At those prices, mix and match at your local wine purveyor and have a ball! For more, visit vinhoverde.pt.