Here’s an exceptional white wine made by genius Port producer Dirk Niepoort _ and it’s priced well under $20. Instead of a blend, Niepoort makes this entirely with the native Loureiro grape fermented and aged in stainless steel. And he gives it the same attention to detail as his more expensive whites.

The 2010 Niepoort Docil is crisp and fresh yet nuanced and more complex than many a Vinho Verde. Tasting of lime and juicy green apple, it has a bright acidity and finespun texture that makes it a perfect match with oysters, crab, cioppino and other seafood stews and grilled fish. It’s an especially good match with oily fish like sardines and mackerel.

● Region: Minho, Portugal

● Price: From $12 to $15

● Style: Crisp and very dry

● What it goes with: oysters, seafood stews, grilled fish, sardines

By S. Irene Virbila

(Los Angeles Times)

(Distributed by MCT Information Services)