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Sul Red
750ml, $13.99
This wine is ruby in color, with an intense aroma of red and black forest fruits plus toasted notes. With smooth tannins and nice acidity, this is very easy drinking wine. In the Portuguese language, Sul means "South" or "Southern". This wine pairs well with Mediterranean food, pasta dishes, lamb, poultry and assorted soft cheeses.
All About Alentejo
Whilst shoveling a bunch of newly fallen snow at 6am I was thinking back to my time in sunny Southern Portugal in the region Alentejo. This region makes some great wines but is vital to the wine industry for another reason. It is home to around 50% of the world’s cork production.
As one can see in the picture, this is a rather arid, warm region where vineyards grow side by side to cork trees. While there I was able to taste some of the best wines Southern Portugal has to offer. Many people are unaware of Portuguese wine for the same reason that we are ignorant of much Spanish wine; we are unfamiliar with the grapes.
Portugal is home to thousands of indigenous grape varietals that are unknown in the rest of the world. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Arinto, Antão Vaz. The first two grapes have most likely been enjoyed by many of us as they are two of the main grapes used in the production of Port. The last two are white grapes and are understandably foreign sounding as, until very recently, the only Portuguese wine exported in any quantity was Port.
The factors that can make the landscape seem so desolate are exactly why grapes do so well there, lots of sunshine, poor soil and arid conditions. Perfect for stressing the grapes and bringing out the best they have to offer. Because of these conditions the reds get ripe and lush while the cooler nights help the whites retain their lip smacking acidity.
Don’t let your fear of the unknown keep you from trying some truly great wines. Check out some of these selections in our Portuguese section.
-Randy Freeland.
Store Manager/Wine Director
Esporao Reserva Red
750ml, Reg: $24.99 SALE: $22.99
The first wine was made by Esporão in 1985. Made from estate grown grapes, shows the consistency and the rich, ripe fruit characters which are typical of the best Alentejo red wines. Notes of berry jam, slight touch of spices and fresh cocoa, enveloped in the nicely integrated toast from the barrels. Richness of the fruit is evident on the palate. Full-bodied, while the fine tannins also provide structure and intensity. A long, rich and persistent finish.
Monte Velho Red
750ml, $12.99
This wine is quite fruit forward on the nose, offering blackberry and plum aromas. But it's not all fruit. Whiffs of violet and baking spices add complexity and intrigue. The mouthfeel, which is nice and silky, is the first thing to strike me about the palate. The flavors reflect tart red plums, blackberries and spices. The acidity is good and the finish is relatively long. This is a great wine for the price.