Azal in Vinho Verde

Casal Garcia ★ 4.2

Launched in 1939 by Quinta da Aveleda, Casal Garcia is the high-volume, lightly sparkling, off-dry Vinho Verde brand that introduced the region to the world. Owned and produced by the Guedes family from the Aveleda estate at Penafiel.

Tasting: Tastings at the parent Quinta da Aveleda estate in Penafiel; the brand has no separate cellar door.

Signature wines: casal-garcia-vinho-verde, casal-garcia-rose, casal-garcia-bruto

Tip: The brand is poured at every Aveleda visit; the Bruto sparkling is the cellar-door curveball.

Casal Garcia Vinho Verde ★ 3.9

Quinta da Aveleda's high-volume commercial Vinho Verde, lightly sparkling and off-dry, launched in 1939. The global face of the region and the easiest gateway under five euros.

Tip: Drink ice cold straight from the fridge with grilled sardines or summer salads; it is the canonical lightly fizzy summer pour.

Gazela Vinho Verde ★ 3.8

Sogrape's high-volume commercial Vinho Verde launched in 1969, a light, lightly sparkling blend with a touch of residual sugar. A reliable supermarket entry to the region for under five euros.

Tip: Best chilled hard on a hot day; pair with caldo verde, sardines or summer picnics.