Another Portugal wine tasting!

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Trying to get back to writing up some TNs, have been so busy organising some outings for inner-city school kids!

I was able to attend one of DeVine Wines excellent evening tastings downtown last week so here are my brief impressions, remember only 2 oz pours.

2010 Varanda do Conde Vinho Veerde is a blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura. Soft aromatic nose, easy drinking, slate, off-dry. Good value at $15 Cdn.

2004 Encostas de Estremoz Touriga Franca, Alentejo. Good depth of color, pepper, earthy, smooth finish, plum, spice. The Alicante Bouschet from here went well last year. $22 Cdn.

2004 Encostas de Estremoz Touriga Nacional, Alentejo. I have never been a fan of 100% TN, cherry, raspberry, tad more structure than above but did not do it for me. $22 Cdn.

2009 Quinta do Portal Tinta Roriz, Douro. Just love anything from Portal, very dry, dark cherry flavors, lots of wine here. 4hr decant, way too young but oh the potential. $50 Cdn but guess cheaper elsewhere!!

2009 Quinta Nova Colheita, Douro. I always like this one, great value at $24. No oak, some Tinta Cao blended in, blackberry, ripe, some sweetness, top drawer.

2007 Campolargo Tinto, Dao. Hoorah, no chocolate! Good but overpriced at $30. Thought rather tart, needs patience and time I think. Miss.

2005 Campolargo Valdazar, Bairrada. Another $30 bottle, licorice, I passed on this one. No appeal for this dedicated Portugal fan.

[Tim York]

Interesting notes, Bob. I wish that I could find an enthusiastic importer of Portuguese wines here, who could lay on some similarly interesting tastings.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

In-house PO keen on Portugal Tim??

[Tim York]

Bob, in-house PO has a favourable prejudice about things Portuguese because she love Lusitano horses; even I admit that they are incredibly graceful.

Well, immediately after complaining here about the lack of tasting opportunities for Portuguese wines, I noticed that Ad Bibendum, a large importer of New World, Austrian and Spanish wines, was programming a new, for them, group of Portuguese producers at their Spring tasting. So yesterday I braved the Antwerp rush hour to go to their tasting; this is the group http://douro4u.com/?changeLanguage=en and I'll try to write up these very enjoyable and characterful wines while my memory is fresh.