Portugal has been 'trending' as a tourist and ex-pat destination for years...even before Madonna moved there for it's sporty expertise.
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| HERDADE DAS SERVAS VINHAS VELHAS 2015-made by the Serrano Mira family estate (since 1667!) |
A jaunt abroad might not fit into schedules/budgets-but experiencing a country's largesse can be tempted via one's palate.
Like many European countries-many many many Portuguese wines are labeled according to designated controlled regions (DOC...Vinho Regional). Additionally official Portuguese wine classifications -rated by a panel of regional wine commission members... indicate the "outstanding organoleptic characteristics," ---or in the instance of Grande Reserva rating-add an "outstanding" prior to----plus alcoholic strength minimums.
Also of note---the entire country serves up oenophile pleasures-not just the acclaimed northern DOURO region...which is deservedly famous for those gloriously complex Ports (Touriga Nacional grapes).
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| Delicious=Praça di S. TIAGO -lightly sparkling rosé (fruity floral and imo-fun party wine)-produced by Adega Coopertiva Guimaraes -Vindho Verde region (northwest) |
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| Tasty rich complex blend of Alicante Bouschet, Syrah and Touring Nacional grapes- Quintas De Broba Grande Reserva-Alentejo region |
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| There were several wines from a few regions here. Left: the wonderful rich full bodied Andreza Grande Reserva 2014- from Touriga Nacional, Touriga França and Sousäo varietals-(dry, medium bodied) is matured in French oak casts for 14 months-and made by acclaimed winemakers Jao Silva e Sousa + Francisco Baptista. Wildberry and notes of bergamot oils with a long finish-deep ruby color. In the middle-Poseidon red wine, also from the Douro region-is actually aged (additionally for 72 days) in barrels, on a ship to honor Portuguese fishermen who have died at sea.Black fruits -woody aromas=yummy selection with an interesting backstory. Contact for both www.winesandwinemakers.pt |
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| Monte Da Capela Grande Reserva a gold medal winner from the Les Citadelles du Vin competition (France) aromatic white wine-citrus, grassy hints, complex fresh finish. |
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| Ramos Pinto-founded in 1880 and now owned by Group Champagne Louis Roederer- produces an assortment of wines including these nutty to deeply warm satisfying sips of aged ports-made the old fashioned way-trodden in a traditional lagger and then transported to the historical wine cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia-for a long aging process. |
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| Graham Ports are well known in the USA---the Six Grapes Reserve Port is 'new' to us-a very accessibly priced wine sourced from the same vineyards as the aforementioned vintage sips. Serve slightly chilled-one can think of this as an "...everyday port for the vintage port drinker." Or a good intro to-for those not familiar with the warm complex deep amber oat-complexities of say-a The Tawny Signature blend. |