Featured Wines for November – EA Branco & EA Tinto, Alentejo, Portugal

October 31, 2023 · by ·

This month we return to one of my favorite wine countries, Portugal, specifically the Alentejo wine region. This region is located in Portugal’s south central and eastern part of the country, bordering Spain, and covering more than 30% of the country. The area was initially known for cork production before the European Union in the 1980’s provided funding to Alentejo wine cooperatives to produce high-quality wines. This financial boost has now created the largest wine producing region in Portugal. There are 8 subregions. This month’s wines are from Evora, a lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been shaped by 20 centuries of history of occupation by the Celts, Romans and Moors. Having withstood a 1755 eathquake that destroyed many towns in Portugal, today Alentejo is an architectural gem with many architectural elements of those who controlled the region through a long history – particularly religious history. The November wines are produced by Cartuxa Winery. The family behind this winery has an amaging history and mission. To read about of the family and the Eugenio de Almeida Foundation, the owner of the winery, go to their website. This is a remarkable story.

Now the wines – 2022 EA Branco and 2020 EA Tinto. As with most Portugese wines, both are blends of indigenious varietals only produced in Portugal. The white varietals are Antão Vaz + Arinto + Roupeiro. The red varietals are Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah which we have tasted in previouslly offered Portugese wines. With both wines priced at $15, you will find them easy to drink and drinkable now. And, of course, the bottles are corked!

2022 EA Branco, Alentejo, Portugal $15

This blend is clear, brilliant straw to golden yellow color. Mid-intense aromas of white and yellow fruits and flowers, notes of melon, pear, green apple, minerals. Medium-bodied with nice, fresh acidity and alcohol. The finish is lively, smooth, a bit dry and persistent. Perfect pairing: pasta filled with Brie cheese Alcohol: 13.5%

2020 EA Tinto, Alentejo, Portugal $15

This wine has floral fragrances such as nutmeg, cherry, plum and rose. The palate brings a silky mouthfeel with ripe fruit and spice flavors such as cherry, plum, red raspberry, white pepper and baking spices. Vibrant acidity adds a brightness to the fruit. Medium-bodied makes it very food friendly. A great pairing with poultry or lean pork. Alcohol: 14%

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Featured Wines for May- PAXIS Bulldog White Blend, Lisboa, Portugal & Waterdog Red Blend, Setubal , Portugal

May 1, 2021 · by ·
May takes us back to another country we love for many reasons – Portugal is a lovely country to visit because the diversity of their geography, their history, their friendliness, their good affordable wines and their love for dogs. Yes, their love for dogs is the focus for this month because we having a Black English Labrador puppy coming to our family early in May. No doubt he will be a fixture in the gallery along with Rye. So to celebrate we are offering two wines whose producers use dogs on their labels. The wines are from two different regions not far from each other – Lisboa and Setubal.   The white is Paxis Bulldog White Blend of Fernao Pires(70%), Arnito (15%), Verdelho (5%), Alvarinho (5%), and oaked Chardonnay (5%.) This is considered a softly, textured ripe wine. The red offering received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast as a new wine from Jose Maria da Fonseca is Waterdog Red Blend. It is a blend of three grapes – Castelao (56%), Touriga Nacional (27%), and Touriga Francesa (22%.) This is a young that can be consumed right away. Both of these are warm weather wines.   If by chance you read Wine Spectator you will enjoy their cover story on wine producers and their vineyard dogs in the United States. Hope you come to welcome Buck!

PAXIS Bulldog White Blend, Lisboa, Portugal $12

This is a dry bright white, fruited, young refreshing white with apple and lemon notes in the aroma and tasting. It is a pleasant, smooth easy drinking wine for every day. Excellent aperitif, it’s also a delicious complement of fish, white meat, vegetarian, Indian and Thai cuisines and as well lighter flavored dishes and fresh cheeses. Alcohol: 12%

Waterdog Red Blend, Setubal, Portugal $12

This ruby colored wine has the aroma of blackberry, dried figs and tobacco smoke. On the palate it has ripe blackberry, fresh and smooth well integrated tannins. With fine tannins cushioned by layers of black fruits it has balanced acidity. This is perfect with Barbeque food, roasts and pasta dishes. This is also a new wine that can be consumed right now and for 4 years. Alcohol: 13.2%

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January Featured Wines – 2016 Grand’Arte Alvarinho, Lisboa, Portugal & 2015 Bodegas Altivo Tinto, Dao, Portugal

January 1, 2018 · by ·

2016 Grand’Arte Alvarinho, Lisboa Portugal   $13

This wine is a southern and warmer take on Alvarinho that is found in northern Portugal. It brings out the ripe perfumed character of the grape. Apricot and golden plums show both the fruit and the generous texture. This is a dry wine of real finesse with an intense aroma of ripe orchard fruits. It is full-bodied with a delicious, creamy character which is countered by a fresh, citrus quality on a long finish. This is an excellent aperitif, particularly recommended with fish, white meat, soups, salads and any light flavored dishes. Wine Enthusiast included this in the Best of 2017. Alcohol: 12%

 

2015 Bodegas Altivo Tinto, Dao, Portugal  $10

This is a blend of Jaen and Trincadeira grapes that offers flavors of dark berries preceded by aromas of cocoa. It has medium body tannins that offer a smooth mouthfeel. Some reviewers consider this a rich and intense wine like those produced in Douro just to the north of Dao. This is a great pairing for beef and other hearty roasts. If you have venison in your freezer from this year’s hunt, the Altivo is a great match. Alcohol: 13%

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June Featured Wines – 2016 Mapreco Vinho Verde Rose, Minho, Portugal & 2014 Quinta da Alorna, Cardal Red, Tejo, Portugal

June 1, 2017 · by ·

2016 Mapreco Vinho Verde Rose, Minho, Portugal                              $11

2016 Mapreco Vinho Verde Rose may confuse your understanding of Vinho Verde or “green” wines from the cool and damp Minho Region in the north west above Porto. We have featured another Mapreco Vinho Verde that is a white blend. The 2016 Mapreco Rose is made from dark skinned Espadeiro grapes which are primarily used for “green” wines. This is a lovely blush wine with aromas and tastes of red currant and  fresh fruits with some acidity and a finish with a refreshing effervescence. Slight sweetness  is balanced by the wine’s acidity. This is an excellent pairing for lobster and shellfish. Alcohol: 10.5%

 

2014 Quinta da Alorna, Cardal Vino Tinto, Tejo, Portugal                  $10

2014 Quinta da Alorna, Cardal Red comes from from the Teho Region which is just east of Lisbon. This is a warm, dry region that to the Portuguese  means the land of vineyards, olive groves, cork forests, Mertolengo cattle, and the famous Lusitano horses. This wine is made from Touriga Nacional, Castelão, and Trincadeira grapes. Ripe red fruit aromas such as plums and floral hints come from the Touriga. This is a full-bodied wine with soft tannins. I suggest letting it breathe to open the fullness. Consider this as a great pairing for grilled meat. Alcohol: 13%

 

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Featured Wines for October – 2015 Tons de Duorum White & 2014 Tons de Duorum Red, Douro Valley, Portugal

October 1, 2016 · by ·

Tons_de_Duorum_White

2015 Tons de Duorum White, Douro Valley, Portugal        $10

2015 Tons de Duorum White is made from 30% Viosinho, 25% Rabigato, 20% Verdelho, 20% Arinto, and 5% Moscatel grapes. It has a sunny lemon yellow color and an intense aroma dominated by tropical and citrus fruits. This  wine finishes with flavors of flowers, crystallized fruits, and strident minerality. It is a perfect  pairing for seafood and poultry prepared with simple spices. Alcohol: 12.5%

 

Duorum Tons Red2014 Tons de Duorum Red, Douro Valley, Portugal          $11

2014 Tons de Duorum Red is made from a blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roizi. It iss ruby red in color with violet tones. The nose is dominated by aromas of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and prunes, blending beautifully with spicy secondary aromas from barrel aging. With well-balanced acidity, soft and ripe tannins, and a persistent finish, this is an easy wine to pair with red meats, pastas and hard cheeses. Alcohol: 13.5%

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September Featured Wines – 2013 Casa Ferreirinha Planalto White Reserva & 2013 Quinto do Casto Douro Red, Douro, Portugal

September 1, 2015 · by ·

Planato

2013 Casa Ferreirinha Planato White Reserva, Douro Portugal  $14

This white Portuguese whit wine is produced from Viosinho, Malvesia Fina, Gouveio, Codega and Arinto grapes. It is bright lemon in color and has a very intense and complex bouquet, with a prevalence of white fruits, fresh vegetable notes of green shrubs and some mineral notes. This wine has a long and balanced finish perfect for that first roasted chicken this fall.

Crasto Douro Red _03

 

2013 Quinto do Casto Douro Red, Douro, Portugal  $15

This red blend is made from traditional Douro red grape varieties: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca. It has ripe red fruit aromas and is very fruity on the palate, with good structure and light tannins which make it a very pleasant wine. Unoaked, it is produced to be a fresh, fruity, easy-to-drink wine that pairs wells with pork roasted with fruit.

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Wines of the Month – 2013 Conde Villar Vinho Verde Rose & 2012 Tapada de Villar Tinto/Red, Portugal

September 1, 2014 · by ·

Conde Villar Rose2013 Conde Villar Vinho Verde Rose, Portugal  $11

This rose has been selected for September as a salute to the last days of summer. This wine is a bright raspberry color. It is made from Espadeiro grapes that are hand picked and immediately crushed to capture fresh aromas. Even with the light fizz characteristic of Vinho Verdes, this wine is smooth and creamy. As with all Vinho Verdes, this wine needs to be enjoyed within 2 years of bottling. That time is now! Try it as an aperitif or with grilled fish or a salad. Alcohol: 11.5%

 

Tapada de Villar2012 Tapada de Villar Tinto/Red, Portugal $13

Our red selection for September is 2012 Tapada de Villar Tinto/Red from the Alentejo region. This very dark ruby wine is made from 4 grapes – Alicante Bouschet, Tourga Nacional, Aragonez and Trincadbra – harvested at night to avoid high temperatures. The nose of the wine is rich with spices and dark fruit. This full-bodied red offers pronounced notes of red berries, dark stone fruit and hints of earth. The tannins are very soft. No rush to enjoy this wine but it is a great pairing for summer’s grilled meats and sausages. Alcohol: 14%

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