Portuguese Wines - Addendum

For more information on Portuguese wine recommendations, please see the following wine list from my wine tasting course of a few years back:

The Wines of Portugal

Mt. Airy Learning Tree

March 23, 2010

1.      Avelada « Praia » Vinho Verde Vinho Branco (Denominacao de Origem Controlada – DOC) 2009

Varietal: Alvarinho

Region: Vinho Verde

Tasting Notes: Slightly spritzy, full of fruity flavors, lasting peach flavor finish; light bodied; 10% alc.; well-balanced; refreshing; pair with fish, seafood, white meat, salad.

2.      Grao Vasco Dao Vinho Branco (DOC) 2009

Varietals: Encruzado, Bical Mavasia-fina

Region: Dao

Tasting Notes: Clean, dry; aromatic nose with a hint of citrus; medium-bodied; 13% alc.; pair with shrimp, calamari, steamed white fish

3.      Grao Vasco Dao Vinho Tinto (DOC) 2007

Varietals: Jaen, Tinto Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga-Nacional

Region: Dao

Tasting Notes: the fragrant and elegant aroma combines hints of red fruits and typical earthy notes in a fruit-forward style;  light, elegant wine; ideal for everyday drinking; fresh, berry, spice, medium-bodied; 13% alc.

4.      Sogrape Alentejo Vinha do Monte Vinho Tinto (Vinho Regional Alentejano) 2007        (This is one of my “house wines” –excellent value!)                                   

Varietal: Aragonez, Trincadeira, Moreto, Periquita

Region: Alentejo (Herdade do Peso)

Tasting Notes: Characterized by a fresh and intense bouquet, reminiscent of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) with touches of spice, typical of Alentejo wine. On the palate it has a very soft flavor with an elegant and lingering finish; easy drinking; medium-bodied;14% alc.;  pair with pasta salads, poultry and spicy dishes.

5.      Quinta de Ventozelo Douro Vinho Tinto (DOC) 2005

Varietal: Touriga Nacional

Region: Douro

Tasting Notes: Strong, dark tannins; bone dry; ripe fruit, black figs, plums; intense; full-bodied; opens up on mouth with spice & sweet acidity; aged 12 months in oak barrels; 14% alc.; pair with pastas and red meats.

6.       Meandro do Vale Meao (Quinta do Vale Meao) Douro Vinho Tinto (DOC) 2004

Varietal: Touriga Nacional (30%), Touriga Franca (30%), Tinta Roriz (30%), Tinto Barroca (5%), Tinta Amarela (5%).

Region: Douro

Tasting Notes: "Intense kirsch-like aroma is followed by pure flavors of dark cherry and blackberry, with loads of mineral and spice. Refined and powerful, with a long, long finish of iron and hot stone." Wine Spectator 92 Points; 14.5% alc.

7.      Sogrape Dao Duque de Viseu (DOC) 2007

      Varietal : Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Alfrocheiro Preto and Tinta Roriz

      

      Region : Dao

Tasting Notes : fruity aroma which complements fresh oak and pepper      flavors; full-bodied, with rounded tannins; clean, velvety. 13% alc.

8.       Cister da Ribeira Douro Vinho Tinto (DOC) 2006

Varietal: Touriga Franca (40%), Tinta Roriz (20%), Touriga Nacional (20%), Tinta Barroca (20%)

                    Region: Douro

Tasting Notes: No oak aging; bright cherry fruit; red plum mingled with spice, smoke, hint of mint, licorice; ripe tannins; pair with roast chicken, pasta, grilled sausage. 13% alc.