Portuguese Wines

Saturday, October 12th
4:30 - 7:00

After tasting through some great Spanish wines last weekend, we thought it would be fun to turn our attention this Saturday to neighboring Portugal.  Not that long ago, many Americans know of Portuguese wines only through the iconic fortified wine Port.  Many people assumed that the only wines from the country were sweet, high alcohol bottles.  Next came Vinho Verde, and people started to discover that Portuguese wines could be dry, and the zesty, crisp style of those wines captured many people's attention.   Now many American wine lovers are finally starting to discover the true breadth of styles of Portuguese wines.  Because Portugal’s wine culture developed in relative isolation, there are many grape varieties that do not grow anywhere else in the world. So, if you don’t recognize the grape variety on a Portuguese wine label, you are certainly no alone. All told, there are over 250 indigenous varieties and a several that have been brought in from other areas that have adapted well to the Portuguese landscape (i.e. they are delicious). To many wine experts, Portugal is the last frontier of wine in Western Europe; there is still so much to be tasted and explored.  We will be joined by our friend Greg Pfaender from Empire distributors, who will taste us through five great wines imported by Obrigado Vinhos.

Asnella Single Vineyard Superior
60% Arinto, 40% Loureiro
Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal, 2018

Xisto Ilimitado Branco
60% Rabigato, 15% Gouveio, 15% Codega, 10% Viosinho
Douro DOC, Portugal, 2017

Maçanita 'Touriga Nacional em Rosé'
100% Touriga Nacional
Douro DOC, Portugal, 2018

Quinta de Saes Tinto
25% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 25% Alfrocheiro, 25% Jaen
Dão DOC, Portugal, 2017

A Touriga Vai Nua
100% Touriga Nacional
Alentejano IG, Portugal, 2017