Portugal
The wines of Portugal are renowned for their unique and diverse characteristics, with a rich history of winemaking that dates back centuries. This Southern European country produces a range of different wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, each with its own distinct style and flavor profile.
One of the most famous Portuguese wines is Port wine, a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley region. Port is known for its sweet, rich flavor and is often served as a dessert wine. Another popular Portuguese wine is Vinho Verde (green wine), a refreshing, light-bodied wine that is perfect for warm weather.
In addition to these famous wines, Portugal also produces a range of high-quality table wines, including both red and white varietals. Some of the most popular grape varieties grown in Portugal include Touriga Nacional, Alvarinho, and Aragonez.
Portuguese winemakers are known for their use of traditional winemaking techniques, including ageing wines in oak barrels and using indigenous grape varieties. This approach results in wines with unique flavors and aromas that are distinctive to the region.
In recent years, the wines of Portugal have gained increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide. With its diverse range of wines and unique winemaking techniques, Portugal is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and a region worth exploring.
The wines of Portugal offer a unique and diverse range of flavors and styles, from the sweet and rich Port wine to the refreshing Vinho Verde. With its use of traditional winemaking techniques and indigenous grape varieties, Portuguese wine is a must-try for wine enthusiasts.
Portugal
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
Porto | 1 | 99 (MS) |
Inc. TAX
€3,503.82 |
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Mark Squires (99)This old wine was acquired by Quinta do Vallado and said to be an 1866 Colheita (although Francisco Spratley Ferreira of the winery tells me he can't honestly say for sure if it is a true single-vintage Colheita, which is why it is marketed just as "Tributa"), pre-phylloxera vines. It was bottled for Antonia Adelaide Ferreira's 200th anniversary--a woman who built a lot of Douro and was the ancestor of Vallado's owners. Francisco told me (with some typos corrected) that "we think it is a true colheita, but it's impossible to be sure... We bought this wine and the owner said to me that [he] never touched ... this wine last 50 years! We believe that with this concentration and baume (13,5), this is really very old and wasn't "refrescado" (add young wines to fill the barrel).... At same time it' s amazing the acidity, especially thinking in this baume! The wine only was bottled last weeks!" I've run into my share of really old Ports recently--1863 Niepoort, Sequeira, the NV Wine and Soul "5G"--all were exceptional and all were very different. This would be my winner of that group. If you are really loaded, keep reading. Very dark in color and far thicker than the 5g (although not, perhaps, as vibrant), this is remarkably thick and viscous--there seems to be no question that it is old and concentrated. It is very complex, too. Laced with molasses and dark chocolate, and a touch of charcoal, it is enlivened by a big hit of acidity. The texture is quite caressing and sexy. Its age shows mostly in its thick demeanor. It reminds me of some century old Moscatels I've had in Southern Portugal. It is remarkably sweet and fresh in most other respects. It is a wonderful experience. There is bad news. You could predict this, huh? There were 1,300 bottles produced--and they are coming in special decanters running around $3,000 per 750ml bottle. (No, I didn't get one of those bottles, but I did get a sample taste!) |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Porto | 1 | 99 (MS) |
In Bond
€2,915.00 |
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Mark Squires (99)This old wine was acquired by Quinta do Vallado and said to be an 1866 Colheita (although Francisco Spratley Ferreira of the winery tells me he can't honestly say for sure if it is a true single-vintage Colheita, which is why it is marketed just as "Tributa"), pre-phylloxera vines. It was bottled for Antonia Adelaide Ferreira's 200th anniversary--a woman who built a lot of Douro and was the ancestor of Vallado's owners. Francisco told me (with some typos corrected) that "we think it is a true colheita, but it's impossible to be sure... We bought this wine and the owner said to me that [he] never touched ... this wine last 50 years! We believe that with this concentration and baume (13,5), this is really very old and wasn't "refrescado" (add young wines to fill the barrel).... At same time it' s amazing the acidity, especially thinking in this baume! The wine only was bottled last weeks!" I've run into my share of really old Ports recently--1863 Niepoort, Sequeira, the NV Wine and Soul "5G"--all were exceptional and all were very different. This would be my winner of that group. If you are really loaded, keep reading. Very dark in color and far thicker than the 5g (although not, perhaps, as vibrant), this is remarkably thick and viscous--there seems to be no question that it is old and concentrated. It is very complex, too. Laced with molasses and dark chocolate, and a touch of charcoal, it is enlivened by a big hit of acidity. The texture is quite caressing and sexy. Its age shows mostly in its thick demeanor. It reminds me of some century old Moscatels I've had in Southern Portugal. It is remarkably sweet and fresh in most other respects. It is a wonderful experience. There is bad news. You could predict this, huh? There were 1,300 bottles produced--and they are coming in special decanters running around $3,000 per 750ml bottle. (No, I didn't get one of those bottles, but I did get a sample taste!) |