YAY! A TRIO OF DELICIOUS MODERN PORTUGUESE WINES
These are excellent examples of regional Portuguese wines, crafted in a modern style – but using indigenous grapes to deliver something different. Buy, open and enjoy all three over a week or a weekend.
FIVE STAR APERITIF WHITE
VILA NOVA 16 Vinho Verde, Loureiro, Portugal 632547 Vintages $13.95
Traditionally Vinho Verde was an inexpensive super light, slightly spritzy wine, but some producers are starting to craft a more ‘upscale’ edition, which they market by grape variety with no mention of Vinho Verde on the label – such as the Loureiro below. Got that! Apparently drinkers in North America are more likely to select a wine with a grape variety on the label.
Expect to see more ‘grape variety’ wines from the Vinho Verde region as Portugal starts to compete in the category of refreshing, aperitif whites. Move over Pinot Grigio! Vila Nova’s Loureiro delivers frank refreshment with a lovely tease of fruit and Spring flowers – that keeps bringing you back for more. If I wasn’t so strong-willed, I’d gulp an entire bottle before dinner. So be warned. What a fabulous Summer patio sipper this will be – so stock-up.
EVERYDAY DOURO
REAL COMPANHIA VELHA 14 Douro ‘Evel’, Portugal
190694 Vintages $13.95
I’ve often had this medium-bodied wine at restaurants in Portugal, and loved every sip, but how does it stack-up on Canadian soil? Damn good. Evel fits the ‘good buddy’ category of red wines, falling somewhere between a Chianti and a Cabernet. Expect some pucker and energy – the perfect partner for pizza, burger or almost anything everyday.
EVERYDAY DAO
AGRICOLA BOAS QUINTAS 16 Dao ‘Altivo’, Portugal
522292 Vintages $12.95
Somewhat-like-Pinot is my usual description of Portugal’s Dao reds, and this guys fits that description perfectly. Add a gentle, lush feeling. Versatility of use is Dao’s forte, and I can certainly see Altivo pleasing your party guests, and being an excellent partner with the world of mildly-spicy foods.
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