Our June Wine of the Month is from Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula next to Spain. Like their neighbor, Portugal has a history rich with culinary and vinous traditions that make it a "must visit" part of Western Europe. Lots of American ex-pats choose it as a retirement destination, as well. Known for their rich seafood and "land" food dishes, the wines of Portugal, specifically the non-fortified wines, offer a ton of value and quality for the reasonable price point and are ideal food companions. Explore and be rewarded-- the proof is in the bottle!
Vallado's 2022 Douro Red is a masterful field blend comprised of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Sousão. 80% of the grapes come from vineyards planted in the 1990s and 20% from older vineyards, between 60 and 100 years old. The sum of this wine really highlights how good the parts are!
The nose emits scents of dark fruits and berries, midnight garden, touches of mineral and well water. The palate reiterates the dark fruits and berries with subtle, persistent flavors of blackblerry and plum. The structure is also evident with excellent acidity and tannins providing body to keep the wine grounded. The finish finds more black fruits as black cherry and cola berry notes ruminate with a flourish of flavor. As delicious as the sweet Port wines are, it's fantastic to find outstanding quality in their dry 'cousins' as well. And as we're coming into prime grilling season, the timing is perfect! Enjoy with summer bbq! Grilled meats, boar sausage, game, charcuterie.
WINE SPECTATOR 90 POINTS - "A zesty thread of milled black pepper and anise spice notes winds through flavors of ripe black plum, boysenberry, herbed green olive and tar in this lively, medium-bodied red, which ends with a chewy finish. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão."
Vallado's 2022 Douro Red is a masterful field blend comprised of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Sousão. 80% of the grapes come from vineyards planted in the 1990s and 20% from older vineyards, between 60 and 100 years old. The sum of this wine really highlights how good the parts are!
The nose emits scents of dark fruits and berries, midnight garden, touches of mineral and well water. The palate reiterates the dark fruits and berries with subtle, persistent flavors of blackblerry and plum. The structure is also evident with excellent acidity and tannins providing body to keep the wine grounded. The finish finds more black fruits as black cherry and cola berry notes ruminate with a flourish of flavor. As delicious as the sweet Port wines are, it's fantastic to find outstanding quality in their dry 'cousins' as well. And as we're coming into prime grilling season, the timing is perfect! Enjoy with summer bbq! Grilled meats, boar sausage, game, charcuterie.
WINE SPECTATOR 90 POINTS - "A zesty thread of milled black pepper and anise spice notes winds through flavors of ripe black plum, boysenberry, herbed green olive and tar in this lively, medium-bodied red, which ends with a chewy finish. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão."
