Wines of Portugal – Tasting Report
On Monday, February 26, 13 wine lovers joined me for a “Wine Of Portugal” tasting. We all took a great deal of pleasure in enjoying and savouring 8 wines accompanied with bread, cheeses, and cold cut. The wines were from different regions, and primarily from the good 2013-14 vintage (except for the white). All told, the tasting reinforced our notion that Portugal offers value and that the country has enormous potential. Most wines are available at BC liquor stores and/or at EverythingWine stores.
We used broadly the popular 100 scale wine rating.
90+ ~ Simply delicious from the first sip!
85+ ~ Very good and offer great drinking pleasure.
80+ ~ Nice and flavourful.
75+ ~ Drinkable, above average.
70+ ~ Simple for everyday drinking.
8 wines to transport you to Portugal
Mariana – Herdade Do Rocim 2016 – Alentejano
Produced from Antão Vaz, Arinto and Alvarinho varieties. The “Mariana” white is a young and cheerful wine, with generous fruit, freshness and aromatic richness. A very easy drinking and uncomplicated style. $19.49+tax
Score average 80+. One person 90
Capitao Rayeo Reserva 2014 – Alentejano
Aged for six months in wood, this juicy wine with its red-berry fruits is stylish and full bodied. It has firm tannins. It is a food wine ready to drink now. Pair well with burger and pizza. $13.50+tax
Score average 80
Casa Santos Lima Confidencial Reserva 2013 – Lisboa
Medium-bodied and well balanced. Made of 10 grape varieties, this red offers ripe fruit, chocolate and some dry fruits. Drink now. $15.99+tax
Split score – 80 & 85
Casa Santos Lima OMG 2014 – Lisboa
OMG… Not as satisfying as we were hopping. Full-bodied and made from the classic Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Syrah grapes. Flavours of black fruits, spices, with earthy tones. $16.99+tax
Score average 79 – 80
Jose Maria Da Fonseca Periquita Reserva 2015 – Peninsulade de Setubal
Text book value wine from Peninsulade de Setubal, south region of Portugal. A blend of Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Francesa. A good mouthful of berry, spice, and dried fruit. Easy tannins with a nice finish. This wine will be enjoyable with or without food.
Score average 80 +
Pedra Cancela 2014 DOC – DAO
There is a great versatility to this wine, not to mention great affordability. Coming from the Douro’s southern neighbor, the Dao, this wine shows great versatility, and great affordability. Medium-bodied and elegant. It offers generous flavours of berry, plum, spices, and licorice. Searching for a character wine, this is it! $16.80+tax
Score average 85+
Ramos Pinto Duas Quinta 2015 – Douro
This wine’s name, Duas Quintas translate to “Two Vineyards”. A good everyday wine that will pair well with chicken, tacos, pizza, beef stew, and strong cheese. Full-bodied with flavours of dark plum, cherry, dried fruit, and hints of black olive. $17.99+tax
Score average 83
Quinta Do Crasto Reserva 2013 DOC – Douro
Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines is full-bodied, and expressive on the nose. Showing notes of berry fruit, plum, chocolate as well as delicate spicy hints. Stylish and well-structured. It is ideal to accompany hearty meat, game dishes, and blue cheeses. Since it is bottled unfiltered, some sediment may form during bottle ageing. It is still very good after being opened for 48 hours. Pricy at $39.99.
Score average 85
