The Cellar: For Best Values, Look to Portugal

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Friday, September 30, 2011

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Critic

People often ask me where I think the best values in today’s wine market comes from. Most are surprised when I give them my answer, Portugal. While by no stretch a newcomer on the international wine market (Portuguese fortified wines have been around for centuries), quality Portuguese table wines are. Over the past couple of decades, vast improvements in winery and vineyards management, as well as increased domestic and foreign investments, has formed a new and exciting wine industry which is beginning to make its mark internationally. Luckily for us, prices are still very reasonable with tons of good juice available for around $10, including this week's picks.

2009 Muralhas De Monção Vinho Verde

Wines that say ‘Vinho Verde’ (green vine) on them are primarily from the northwest wine region called the Minho located just south of the Spanish border. Vinho Verdes can be red as well as white, but because most of

the reds are consumed domestically never making it onto the international market, we only get to taste the whites. The best white Vinho Verdes are made with the aromatic Alvarinho grape varietal, often with Loureiro, Pederna or Trajadura (all grapes considered to be of lesser quality) blended in.

The 2009 Muralhas is a widely distributed quality Vinho Verde, made primarily from Alvarinho with a splash of Trajadura. The cooperative that makes this popular wine consists of more than 1600 grape growers spread throughout the plains of Minho. While most Vinho Verdes are simple and neutral wines made for washing down the local seafood, the ’09 Muralhas has a little more going on. Bordering medium-bodied, this wine is everything a good Alvarinho based Vinho Verde should be; aromatic and crisp with apricot and peach flavors. In addition this wine has nice minerality and ends on a refreshing citrus note. Not bad for ten bucks! 

2008 Quinta de Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada Dão

Red blends made from Portuguese indigenous varietals are always interesting to taste. Tinta Roriz, Barroca, Cao and Touriga Francesa and Nacional are just some of the many different red grape varietals that make up

these often inexpensive wines. One of the most famous red wine producing regions in Portugal is Dão, located 30 miles south of the Douro River in central Portugal. Because the vineyards of Dão are surrounded by mountains the climate is very different than in the rest of the country. The vineyards, most of them located at high altitude, are protected from the extreme weather sometimes experienced elsewhere and as a result this region enjoys stable conditions throughout the grape growing season.

Dão makes many different styles of red table wine ranging from lean and elegant to powerful and concentrated. This week’s second wine; a blend of Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Nacional, which was awarded 90 points by the Wine Spectator Magazine and hailed as one of the top 100 wines released in 201, is somewhere in between. There are distinct meaty and earthy flavors in this medium-bodied wine, as well as slightly tart red fruit flavors that linger nicely. The acidity in this wine makes it go well with meat dishes.  

Enjoy!

Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at srasch@golocalprov.com. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook.

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