In accordance with the January theme of Portuguese wines, I decided to try several of the Portuguese offerings at the Boston Wine Expo last weekend. I am still finding my way around Portugal's dry wines, and am glad that the monthly Wine Focus encouraged me to explore more of them that I would have otherwise.
2009 Aveleda Alvarinho Vinho Verde
Yes, it’s from the Vinho Verde region. It’s also quite distinct from what most of us think of Vinho Verde being – there is no spritz, and a completely different character. Light to medium-bodied, bone dry, focused, mineral, with refreshing acidity; peachy, floral, and lightly earthy notes. Very good.
2009 Quinta da Plansel Tinto Marquês de Montemor Vinho Regional Alentejano
Blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Alfrocheiro. Medium-bodied, young, and fruity, with light tannins; smooth, well balanced, with mixed berry and plum flavors. Good.
2008 Quinta dos Vales-Marquês dos Vales Touriga Nacional Grace Vineyard Vinho Regional Algarve
Moderately full-bodied, young, primary, moderately structured. I didn’t write down any aromatic notes for this wine, but think that it will be very nice in a few more years.
2008 Quinta do Encontro Tinto Bairrada “Encontro”
Blend of Merlot and Baga; apparently, the Merlot helps soften the Baga’s fierce tannins. Medium-bodied, lightly oaky, well balanced, with good underlying acidity. Shows notes of cherries, red fruits, and spices. Good+.
2007 Dow Douro Vale do Bonfim
A blend of Touriga Franca, Tempranillo, Tinta Barocca, and Touriga Nacional. Full-bodied, smooth, well balanced, polished, with dark fruit, violet, licorice notes. Very good; apparently, also a good QPR.
NV Dow 10 Year Old Tawny Porto
Full, elegant for the style, well balanced, lightly oxidative, with notes of honey, roasted nuts, wood, and caramel. Very good.
NV Graham 20 Year Old Tawny Porto
Fuller/heavier than the 10 Year Old Dow tawny, still well balanced, a bit sweeter, with somewhat stronger roasted nut flavors, and notes of caramel, pralines, and citrus zest. I thought that I may have had this one before, but wasn’t sure – apparently I did drink one three years ago. Very good.