| 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%
