The Cellar: Summer Values from Portugal
Saturday, June 16, 2012
2011 Cape Roca Alvarinho, Minho, Portugal
Minho is located in Portugal’s northwestern corner. The region runs along the Spanish border facing the famed Rias Baixas region to the north. Minho is the coolest and wettest part of the Portugal so it is not surprising that it is the
One of my favorite things about the Alvarinho is the aromatics. If you like smelling your wine I suggest you grab an Alvarinho like the $15 Cape Roca Alvarinho from Casca Wines. Sourced from the Quinta de Lourosa and Quinta do Quteiro de Bairros vineyards in Minho, this Alvarinho is a great example of what the varietal brings to the table. I could smell this wine for days. On the palate the wine comes across crisp and refreshing with stone fruits, honeysuckle and hints of green apple, with citrus fruits on the finish.
2008 Quinta de Cabriz Reserva, Dão, Portugal
This week’s second wine is a traditional red blend from the central Portuguese wine region of Dão. Dão is located inland along the river that bears the same name and surrounded by mountains. The conditions in this area are
Quinta de Cabriz is part of a 4-prong wine dynasty that began making wine in the Dão in 1989. Since its inception the co-op has expanded its holdings across Portugal. Today the company makes wine in Douro, Bairrada, Estremadura and Alentejo. The grapes in the 2008 Cabriz Reserva are sourced from the original 85 acre Cabriz Estate and its surrounding partner vineyards. It is a traditional red blend made from Touriga Nacional, Alfrocherio and Tinta Roiz. Rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine this structured $15 gem is one to seek out displaying deliciously savory aromas on the nose, alongside ripe dark fruit flavors with earthy undertones on the palate.
Enjoy!
Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at [email protected]
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