Wine lovers (but not really connoisseurs), we had our first sips of vinho verde just last week over a poolside lunch. VV is a sparkling, Portuguese wine available in both whites and reds. Made from a jumble of little-known grape varieties, this "green wine" is named for the habit of drinking it while it is super-young. Bubbly, light, and simple, VV instantly became our summer pick. What’s to love:

--It's clean, crisp, and has a little spritz. Plus, it is not too sweet.

--It's a great alternative to the ubiquitous rose.

--It's cheap, cheap, cheap. We like the producer Casal Garcia found at Whole Foods for $6.99 a bottle.

--It's very versatile- perfect for serving with seafood or as an aperitif paired with warm olives and cheese.

Shopper's Tip: Look for a last year's vintage. In 2008 you should be drinking vinho verde that was bottled in 2007.