Portugal's Plenty Primeira Parte

As you guys already know in recent weeks (or months, actually) I made a couple of palatal journeys to Switzerland. At least one pending part ahead, I'd like to start another palatal trip. This one will bring me to Portugal's Plenty. Today I'd like to start this personal voyage to the Lusitanian wine bounty with vinhos from the two most well know viticulture regions: Dao and Douro. For starters there was the equally famous and very reasonable Tinto from Quinta das Maisas 2008 and the well distributed Casa de Santar Reserva 2003. From Douro a little bit more north I spent a little while with the still very juvenile Terra a Terra Reserva Tinto 2009 and the Teutonically implulsed Campo Ardosa 2003 from Quinta da Carvalhosa. Let's take a peek ...

Quinta Nova Grainha 2008, Douro

Heute gibt es bei mir ausnahmsweise mal einen passenden Wein zur entsprechenden Jahreszeit. Wobei, dieses Jahr scheint der ausklingende Dezember gar nicht so kalt zu sein, daher ist es mit der beabsichtigten Passgenauigkeit doch nicht so weit her … Aber was soll’s! Er wurde geöffnet und musste einfach weg ;-). Na ja, wenn alles, dass weg muss sich so präsentieren würde hätte ich keine Probleme eine Restweinverwertungstelle zu eröffnen ;-)! Aber Spaß bei Seite! Der Grainha 2008 von der Quinta Nova, einem Weingut das es meiner Meinung versteht anspruchsvolle, vielleicht etwas modernistische und sehr zugängliche Weine zu produzieren, ist ein Cuvée aus Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roiz, Tinta Barocca und Touriga Franca.

Untamed Down-to-Earth Etheral Powerdrink: Quinta Vale Dona Maria Van Zellers Rufo 2008, Douro

Once more back to Douro! I guess, one of my most favourite viticulture areas on the globe. This time it had to be a red blend from one of the most highly regarded Port Quintas: the Quinta do Vale Dona Maria owned by the legendary Cristiano van Zellers. Today’s wine is his basic red blend called Rufo which was created of a whole bunch of varietals (Touriga Nacional approx. 60%) and aged in stainless steel.

White Floral Douro Spice: Quinta Nova Pomares Douro Branco 2010, Douro

After my last endless blather I’ll cut it short. At least this time! Phew, what a relief! Well, today’s wine is the Pomares Branco from Quinta Nova. It is a white blend composed of the autochtonous varietals Viosinho (well known for light, floral and acidic wines), Gouveio (probably identical to Verdelho Branco, well known for its hearty and stronger in alcohol character + some stronger botrytis tendencies) and Rabigato (other name: Rabo de Gato, or kitten tail, is well known for its muscat’y character and slight tendency to produce wines with high alcohol volume).

Precious Slate Pit Peauty: Quinta do Vale Raposa Touriga Nacional 2001, Douro

Once again I have no real clue about today’s winery. I know: it is a Douro wine, it was made form 100% Touriga Nacional (apparently, but praiseworthy – especially for a still affordable price) - by the way one of my most favourite varietals. What else do I know? I know the Quinta Vale do Raposa is owned by the Alves de Sousa family and my last fact: I know that the vines were cultivated on slate soil on the banks of the Corgo River. Maybe you guys can help me out and tell me something about this winery. Maybe even about this specific wine. Sorry for my incompetence :-(.

Muito Obrigado Portugal! Calheiros Cruz Douro Reserva 2002

This red blend was one of the best wines I had in the past 6 months. It consisted of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. About two years ago it had a predominant taste of spaghetti water, which impressed me for some strange reason. But now it show aromas of dark chocolate, a hint of coconut and a quite strong bramble taste. It was very dense and complex. The rather strong wood, which is normaly not my thing, appeared to be very sublime and gentle. This resulted in a very well balanced composition. The smell showed typical fruity Tinta Roriz scents, which can be very suprising for such a heavy wine when you have it the first time. The best of all was its price. It just cost ridiculous 12 to 15 Euro. I am glad to have another two bottles in my cellar.