Here`s another great white from Portugal!

WTN: `10 Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Douro Pomares Branco, Portugal.

Another terrific white from the Douro,just up the road from Crasto. 13.5% alc, $18 Cdn. Blend of Viosinho, Gouveio and Rabigato. Owned by huge cork company Amorin. Jamie Goode has an excellent write up with photos on his website.

Medium straw in color, nose has pink grapefruit and some minerality. "Passionfruit and squeezed pink grapefruit juice" from across the table.
Off-dry, crisp, refreshing, nothing too serious but nice with summer here. Melon and passionfruit hints but not that sweet. Quite delicious and real tangy finish. Best serve nicely chilled I think.

So lets move onto the red. I have to say I have heard excellent reports from a pal who was at the Quinta only a few days ago. He is setting up an agency and is keen to bring in some wines from Portugal. Quinta Nova is repped already but it sure sounds like money-no-object!

WTN: `08 Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Douro Pomares Vinho Tinto.

Blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. 13.5% alc, close to $20 Cdn. Opened one hour and decanted to give it some air as I suspect quite a big wine.

Purple black color, big intense centre. Plum and cherry on the nose plus blueberry. Big aromatics here, probably helped along by the T Franca.
Has firm grip, needs one more year I`d say. Excellent structure, chewy tannins, good acidity, fairly dry but ripe fruits. "Hint of chocolate and spice with tobacco" from across the table. Fine points indeed.I like the complexity here and the winemaking, need to buy more and see what developes. Just look at the price eh.