LYRA MAG.

Today's casual lifestyles-and relaxed gatherings around kitchen islands -inspire hosts to ring in the holidays with different wines to pair with everything from one pot winter headliners-to small plate/grazing options,  and of course,  Instagram ready cheese boards. Last century's go to's Bordeaux/Burgundy Premier Cru+Grande Crus, Rhone wines, Brunellos California Cabs, oaky chardonnays ... like formal dining room decor and rigid 3 course meals-still satisfy-but in our experience- other countries' liquid palate pleasers-and snack like versatile  appetizers are now the preferred pairings. AND more fun. Another added plus- these global wines are remarkable $ values-often astonishingly so. Across the Pond: Remember the excitement of discovering  Spain's  Riojas, Argentina's Malbecs-or New Zealand Sauvignons-perhaps on travels abroad? This year's sensorial stunners just might come from the terrific DÀO region---even if one can't a...

Portugal has been 'trending' as a tourist and ex-pat destination for years...even before Madonna moved there for it's sporty expertise. 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. A recent Wines of Portugal tasting on this side of the Atlantic-turned up many surprises-from easy to drink light bodied inexpensive selections to elegant and sophisticated blends -staring Portugal's native  250 grape varietals . 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 ...

HAIL all things 1990s   revered for 2019...Portuguese Port wines, like Sherry from neighbor Spain...are now newly appreciated by younger inhibiters enjoying their grandparents cherished after dinner libations Graham's 20 Year Tawny Porto =classic brandy worthy pour retails for around $53. Grapes from Portugal's mountainous northern Douro valley. Grapes are fermented with the addition of of a clear grape spirit that preserves a lot of the grapes natural sugars ...comes through in the flavor for sure. Matured in seasoned oak vats-its flavors include orange peel-mature fruits vs Ruby Port's berries. Has a  golden amber color and should be served slightly chilled. There are 10, 20, 30 and 40 Year Tawny Port versions available To sip-as an appetizer-or more appropriately (imo)-to pair with our snack culture's offerings...aged and ready to drink anytime Port-with its deep rich berry flavors or raisons-fig gold amber tones, add a level of liquid comfort to cold days. ...

DRINK UP! j ust do it better The marketing pitches for WELLNESS SELF CARE SEASON TO TREAT YOURSELF gifts...noticeably increased this year, Makes sense -'me' gifting is BIG-as is eating healthier (US NEWS alert- Mediterranean and DASH topping the best diets list). Even the recognizable tv chefs are dialing up the health. Gordon Ramsay's cookbook-lifestyle how tos  plus his collab with Royal Doulton -an everyday table top Maze Grill  collection, SALUT glass of wine -(daily or weekly) is in the mix of those winners...and as big bold (and pricey) California Cabernet popularity wanes - there are other more food centric red wines that match up, sip-wise-better with the healthier ethnic cuisines and savory palate pleasers-people prefer. PORTUGAL's red wines are native grapes blends that have just the right amount of spice tones-dark berry lushness+ integrated tannins that balances out foods from around the world. Vinha Dis Deuses Reserva has the elegance of a ...

     Part 2                                                               SUMMER SIPS: ROSÉ Season!!! via GIPHY Portugal is poppin'-as a second hone+vacay destination...and earning a great rep for its wine in addition to its signature cork that goes on top... Grape composition 25% Saborinho, 25% Agronomica, 25% Aragones, 25% Touriga Nacional. Sustainably grown tiny plots (2 to 6 bush trained vines per square) planted in 1991 in volcanic soil at sea level. 12.5% alcohol...around $25 bottle Sips of the mineral-delicately black peppery- acidic Rosé Vulcânico-courtesy of the deep volcanic black basalt soil of the Portuguese archipelago -AZORES (Pico island)...conjures up summer breezes, long sunny days at the beach, sunlight outdoor deck parties. Easy to drink (and now)...this thirst quenching wine pairs ...