Though it’s one of Europe’s smallest countries, Portugal has more grape varieties than any of its larger neighbors-over 400; it’s also the only country in Europe that mandates that one particular grape -Touriga Nacional- be at least 10% of all red wine volume. That mandate makes for very enjoyable and affordable wines; here are a few to consider…
Touriga Franca, also known as Touriga Francesa, is one of the most planted grape varieties in Portugal. It is used in the production of varietal wines, but it is mostly known as one of the quintessential grapes in red Douro blends and Port wines.
Although it is often cited as less prestigious than Touriga Nacional, this dark-skinned grape is able to produce dense wines with fruity and floral aromas that are reminiscent of red and dark berries and roses. The grape is native to Portugal, and though not much is known about its origin, it is believed that it is a cross between Touriga Nacional and another, unknown grape.
Varietal Touriga Franca wines will usually have a rich aromatic profile, well-structured tannins, and good acidity. These wines pair well with roasted or grilled meat and aged cheese. Touriga Franca, also known as Touriga Francesa, is one of the most planted grape varieties in Portugal. It is used in the production of varietal wines, but it is mostly known as one of the quintessential grapes in red Douro blends and Port wines.
Although it is often cited as less prestigious than Touriga Nacional, this dark-skinned grape is able to produce dense wines with fruity and floral aromas that are reminiscent of red and dark berries and roses. The grape is native to Portugal, and though not much is known about its origin, it is believed that it is a cross between Touriga Nacional and another, unknown grape.
Varietal Touriga Franca wines will usually have a rich aromatic profile, well-structured tannins, and good acidity. These wines pair well with roasted or grilled meat and aged cheese. Quinta Das Carvalhas Tinto Douro, 2015 ($14.99) This wine comes from the magnificent vineyard opposite the town of Pinhao at the heart of the Douro. With its big, bold fruits, ripe tannins and wood-aging flavors, it provides a rich example of the minerality and structured texture of wines from this region.
Vintage Port is a style made from the best grapes of a single year harvest. It is considered the most prestigious and the highest quality port style. Vintage is not produced every year, but only when port houses decide that the wine is of sufficient quality. Vintages make only about 2% of all port production, and in the best years, all port houses will declare a Vintage. The decision to declare a Vintage can be made after Portugal’s Port Wine Institute had approved it. Vintages are barrel aged for two to three years and are not filtered before they are bottled. Warre’s Vintage Port, 2016,($14.99), offers a delicious example of this type of wine at a very affordable price.
Wine Spectator says “Gorgeous, with warm plum reduction and gently steeped raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors forming the core, all inlaid with warm ganache and smoldering tobacco accents”.
Anselmo Mendes 2015 Muros Antigos Alvarinho,( $25.00). The family vineyards of consultant Anselmo Mendes are in the north of the Vinho Verde region, the home of Alvarinho, so it’s no surprise that this wine is a great interpretation of the grape. It is almost luscious in its intensity and richness. Orange, ripe apple and intense citrus flavors are encased in a generous, full-bodied wine. Drink now, although this wine will be even better from 2017.
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