Wine Reviews: Fresh Fall Values

With Halloween behind us, I’ve started seeing holiday decorations and displays going up in stores these past few days. But we still have plenty of fall left, and November is one of my favorite months. I’m looking forward to spending time in the mountains, cold nights, gathering with friends and family. But before we transition into the holiday season and crack open the Champagne and burly red wines, I have some offerings on the lighter side of the spectrum. And holiday travel, cooking, etc., can get expensive, so the selections this week all highlight value.

Vinho Verde brings to mind hot summer days with a plate of oysters (and that is certainly a great idea). But I’ve got some complex Vinho Verdes this week that offer more complexity and even some aging potential. No joke, I’d consider cellaring these two for a year or two and see what happens, as they have the depth and complexity to benefit from it.

If you’re looking to restock on some bright white wines and save some money, I’ve got two wines from Val de Vid, from Rueda in Spain. I also have two German samples I received from Wines of Germany. It was while living in Germany my senior year of high school that I had my first vineyard and wine appreciation experience, and I always keep some German wines on hand for holiday gatherings. And we round things out with a bright red blend from Portugal.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

Whites

2020 Richard Bocking Pinot Blanc - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
SRP: $20
Light yellow color. Spritely on the nose with chalk dust and floral perfume, basil and honeysuckle, over top of limes, green apple and kiwi. The palate is flinty and dry with vibrant acidity and a zesty, crystalline feel. The green apple and kiwi fruit is crunchy and precise with classic Mosel minerals and flinty undertones. Lots of floral and herbal complexity, too, this has a mountain stream quality to it, which is a ton of fun. (90 points)

2021 Quinta do Ameal Loureiro Vinho Verde - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $18
Light yellow color. Popping aromas of white peaches drizzled with lime, topped with daisies and dandelions, some honey and sliced celery as well. The palate shows zesty acidity and pleasant depth of texture, the balance between taut energy and some creaminess is pleasant. Peaches, lemons and limes, with salty, chalky, mineral tones, along with floral perfume and cut flower stems. Fresh, lively and fun, but the balance and complexity are legit. 100% Loureiro from estate-grown fruit. (89 points)

2021 Herdade do Esporão Vinho Verde Bico Amarelo - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $12
Juicy yellow color. Aromas of pineapple and lemon, along with some fresh mountain stream vibes, with yellow flowers, honeysuckle and some sliced cucumber. Delightful textural weight is balances by brisk acidity, and I love the flavors of tart lemon, kiwi and pineapple. Lots of flowers, but they’re nuanced and woven in well, never overpowering things. Pithy, spritely and complex, this is one of the more interesting Vinho Verde’s you may find. 40% Loureiro, 30% Alvarinho and 30% Avesso. (90 points)

2021 Val de Vid Rueda - Spain, Castilla y León, Rueda
SRP: $13
Medium yellow color. A meadow of wildflower goodness on the nose, with peaches and kiwi and clean laundry. Punchy and crisp on the palate with brisk acidity and flavors of papaya, peaches and lemon juice. Some waxy elements mix with tones of white pepper, oregano, basil, and the wine shows some salty, briny vibes as well. Lovely wine for salads and seafoods. 85% Verdejo from 25-year-old vines and 15% Viura from 50-year-old vines. (88 points)

2021 Val de Vid Verdejo Rueda - Spain, Castilla y León, Rueda
SRP: $14
Medium yellow color. Super bright on the nose, with a floral potpourri of white and yellow flowers and some basil, fresh cucumbers and honeysuckle, over top of peaches and papaya. Bright and zesty on the palate but nice texture, balanced well with roundness and freshness. Papaya, peach and orange peel fruit blends well with honey, basil, sliced green onion, chalk dust. Floral, fun, bright and versatile. All Verdejo from 25-30 year-old vines. (88 points)

Reds

2019 Ritual Pinot Noir - Chile, Casablanca Valley
SRP: $21
Deep ruby color. Bright and juicy on the nose with a nice mix of red apple peel, black cherry and wild raspberry, topped in notes of black pepper, rose hips and rhubarb. The palate shows fine-grained tannins and crisp acidity, over a bed of tangy cherry, red currant and pomegranate fruit. Notes of black pepper, charcoal, rose petals and rhubarb add complexity. Fresh and fun, spicy and floral, showing good complexity. Look, it’s rare I find a $20 Pinot I’d purchase and share with guests, but this is it. Aged 11 months in French oak. (89 points)

2019 August Kesseler Pinot Noir The Daily August - Germany, Rheingau
SRP: $25
Medium ruby color. The nose is spicy and floral with rose hips, white pepper and tobacco, mixing well with tangy red apple and juicy raspberry fruit, some earthy, savory undertones. Fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins on the palate, a mix of deeper black cherry fruit with tart red apples, and there’s a lot of peppery, tobacco and sage vibes that make this fun and interesting. Fun and fresh, but nice depth of mouthfeel and complexity. I would love to mix this wine in blind at a pinot tasting and see what folks guess. (I bet it gets some love, too). (90 points)

2019 Quinta do Vesuvio Douro Comboio do Vesuvio Unoaked - Portugal, Douro
SRP: $22
Bright purple color. Nice tart dark fruit on the nose (black cherries and dark plums), along with a pleasant mix of smoky, gravelly earth, with violets and magic marker tones. Medium-bodied on the palate, dusty tannins with rounded edges, medium acidity. Tangy dark plums and black cherries, the fruit is accented with rocky earth, graphite, violets, some tar and pine tones. Everything’s woven together well, with a nice floral and spicy finish. A fresher take, and a great intro to Douro red blends at a solid price. (89 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Exciting, Value-Driven Wines from Portugal and Spain

Long-time readers may have heard me sing praises of wines from Portugal’s Alentejo region, and, well, I’m here to do it again. There’s a nice mix of the region’s signature saucy, spicy reds that will keep you warm and cozy during winter.

Alentejo’s Esporão produces a dizzying array of wines. In this report, I have their entry-level, widely-available Monte Velho wines, which I think are some of the best values around. I also tasted three Vinho Verdes. I love those wines when I’m sitting at a café eating shellfish in Portugal, but they’re usually (by design), simple wines. Thee three in this report are something else entirely.

I enjoy vibrant, white wines year-round, and I have a few in this report that bring a crisp, summery feel to the colder, darker months. Two vibrant white Riojas, offer a lot of complexity, value and personality.

These wines were all received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2019 Esporão Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde “Bico Amarelo” - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $12
Light yellow color. Aromas pop with peaches, lemons, limes, with daisies, dandelion and honey, shows depth along with the freshness. Racy, fresh and vibrant on the palate, this shows a textural depth and complexity that I don’t get often from Vinho Verde a lot. Complex peaches, lemon and quince, combined with pristine chalk, minerals and sea salt, topped in white flowers. The depth and focus are impressive, and one of the more memorable Vinho Verdes I’ve tried. Loureiro, Alvarinho and Avesso. I was shocked when I saw this price point – excellent and inexpensive. Aww, yeah. (91 points)

2019 Esporão Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde “Loureiro” - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $18
Medium yellow color. The nose shows chalk dust, saline, floral perfume, along with limes, pineapple and yellow plums. Precise acid on a racy frame, with pineapple and lime fruit, and some creamy depth that adds to the mouthfeel. Notes of chalk, potpourri and mint add complexity. All Loureiro from the Lima subregion, this has precision and complexity worth seeking out. (90 points)

2019 Esporão Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde “Solo Unico” - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $28
Deep straw color. Aromas of lemons, limes, green melon rind, new tennis ball, with honeysuckle and sea spray. Brisk and focused on the palate, a prickly and lively feel, with lemon, quince and green apple fruit. Notes of lemon verbena, daisies and honey mix with sea salt and crushed chalk. Lovely freshness and solid depth as well. All Loureiro aged on the lees for seven months, fermented in a mix of stainless steel and concrete eggs. (90 points)

2019 Herdade do Esporão Monte Velho Branco - Portugal, Alentejano, Vinho Regional Alentejano
SRP: $10
Rich yellow color. Fresh aromas of chalk, ocean spray in river stones, over top of richer honeyed tones, yellow pears and apricots. Precise acidity frames the well this richly-textured wine, showing balance, freshness and delicious fruit (lemon, peach, apricot). The fruit is tossed with honey, raw almond, chalk and crushed shells, notes of ginger and saltine cracker. Beautiful stuff, a perennial screaming value, case buy kind of wine. A blend of 40% Antao Vaz, 40% Roupeiro, 20% Perrum. (90 points)

2019 Herdade do Esporão Monte Velho Tinto - Portugal, Alentejano, Vinho Regional Alentejano
SRP: $10
Light purple color. Aromas of juicy cherries, raspberries and plums, along with mocha, sweet roses and mesquite. Medium-bodied, light, dusty tannins, and juicy, accessible raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit. Laced with smoky earth, sweet clove, cocoa and violets. Vibrant, yummy, accessible, this is inexpensive but has a lot of personality. A blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional and Syrah. (87 points)

2015 Adega Cooperativa de Borba Adega de Borba Reserva - Portugal, Alentejano, Alentejo
SRP: $18
Vibrant purple. Jammy, ripe nose of black cherries and plum cake topped in milk chocolate, this is hedonistic but also spicy and smoky. Medium-bodied, has surprising acidity to help balance the plums, saucy cherries and blackberries. Notes of tar, smoky earth, anise, charcoal and dark chocolate add complexity. Tobacco and mint on the finish. A ripe, juicy, fan-friendly blend of Trincadeira, Alicante, Aragonez and Castelao. (87 points)

2014 Carmim Reguengos Garrafeira dos Sócios -­ Portugal, Alentejano, Alentejo, Reguengos
SRP: $48
Light purple color. Aromas of mulled cherries and plums mix with these notes of grilled beef, cracked black pepper, olives, roasted red peppers and tobacco – lovely! Full-bodied, structured but refined tannins, moderate acidity, this is framed well and sports delicious, tangy plums and black cherries. The non-fruit flavors pop: tilled soil, graphite, roasted chestnut, anise. Still plenty of aging time ahead of it, and it opens up really well with air, and goes to show how Alentejo Alicante can age. Includes 20% Touriga Nacional and 15% Tinta Caiada. (91 points)

2017 Herdade de São Miguel Colheita Seleccionada - Portugal, Alentejano, Vinho Regional Alentejano
SRP: $15
Deep purple color. Nose shows deep tones of baked figs, blueberry jam, with cocoa, mint and tobacco. Medium/full-bodied with nice grip, velvety edges to the tannins, medium acidity. Tart black cherries and blackberry compote, topped in roasted coffee, grilled herbs, violets and clove. Has nice structure, depth, even ageability, which is really impressive given the price point. Alicante Bouschet with Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. (88 points)

2015 Adega da Cartuxa Évora Cartuxa - Portugal, Alentejano, Alentejo, Évora
SRP: $25
Medium purple color. The nose sports plums, blackberries and black cherries with an inviting mix of violets, tar, clove, warm clay and black tea. Medium-bodied with refined tannins that offer structure, while medium acidity gives freshness. Tart blueberry and blackberry fruit blends well with coffee, violets, anise, tar, and these deep mineral, pencil shavings and iron tones. Deep yet lively, this will continue to get better over at least the next five years. Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira. This wine is consistently an awesome value. (91 points)

2016 Herdade do Esporão Alentejo Reserva - Portugal, Alentejano, Alentejo
SRP: $24
Deep purple color. Smoky, earthy aromas with charcoal, graphite and anise over top of dark plums and black cherry jam. Medium/full-bodied with nice, dusty tannins, chewy but lively with plums and black cherries. Notes of tar, charcoal, smoky, leather, with mineral undertones. Fresh, lively, with a vibrant finish. Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira and Cabernet Sauvignon. Expressive, exciting, especially for the price. (89 points)

2019 Viña Bujanda Rioja Blanco -­ Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
SRP: $15
Rich yellow color. Interesting tones of apricot, orange peel, with hay, white tea, some sea salt, dried honey. Inviting texture on the palate but also vibrant and fresh throughout, and the white peach, orange peel and yellow apple fruit mixes well with sea salt, brine, dried nuts, wildflowers. There’s a lot of pure, mineral undertones and a lot of depth in here. (88 points)

2016 Bodegas Palacio Rioja Blanco Cosme Palacio Crianza -­ Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
SRP: $26
Deep yellow color. A complex, inviting blend of apricot and orange, drizzled in honey, topped in sea salt, candle wax, almond skin and white flowers. Deep texture but precise on the palate, waxy yet zesty, with lemon peel, grapefruit and nectarine, mixed in with spiced white tea, sea spray, saltine crackers, mixed nuts and honey. Complex, evolving well but this has a solid stretch of years ahead of it, too. (91 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Serious Bargains from Spain & Portugal

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

It's no secret that Spain and Portugal are home to seriously delicious wines at very reasonable prices. If your annual wine budget is getting maxed out, some of these wines might be a great way to make it through the holiday season.

This week we're focusing on a few wines apiece from three producers. Senda/Verde is a group of Spanish wines from Bierzo and the northern coastal region of Galicia, while Bodegas Carlos Serres is a purveyor of solid, inexpensive Rioja. Lastly, Faisão producers good, cheap wines from Vinho Verde and Dão in Portugal.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2015 Senda Verde Albariño Rías Baixas - Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas
SRP: $13
Ripe yellow color. Nose of juicy white peaches, guava and pineapple, along with sea breeze and white flowers. Plump texture on the palate but bright, crisp acidity. Flavors of white peach and lime drizzled on papayas, backed up by minerals, seashells, honeysuckle. A clean, refreshing wine with a lot to offer. More people should be checking out Rias Baixas Albarinos like this one. Considering the price tag, there's nothing to lose. (86 points) 

2015 Senda Verde Treixadura Ribeiro - Spain, Galicia, Ribeiro
SRP: $13
Medium yellow color. Fresh sliced green apples and pears on the nose along with citrus peel, flower shop and sugar cane. Light- to medium-bodied with a slight creaminess to the mouthfeel and zesty acidity. Peach nectar, mango, a shot of lime, the fruit is blended with notes of cut flowers, honeysuckle and hints of chalk. Juicy, fun, fresh stuff. A cheap and good excuse to explore this interesting grape variety, which is grown on the banks of the Mino River. (86 points)

2015 Senda Verde Godello Bierzo - Spain, Castilla y León, Bierzo
SRP: $13
Lemon peel colored. Bright aromas of honeysuckle, nettle, white pepper, on top of green pears and apples and papaya. Crisp acidity but a creamy mouthfeel combined with juicy but tart fruit (green apples, pears, limes drizzled on papaya). A bright sense of minerality, white flowers, chalk and salty breeze. Godello is such a cool variety, such freshness and vibrancy but packed with delicious flavors, and this is a great intro. (87 points)

2015 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Blanco - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
SRP: $10
Lighty yellow color. Aromas of lime, green apples, sea salt, oregano and cut flower stems. Tart acidity, bright and crisp, with white flowers, perfume and nettle on top of green apples and kiwi. Not complex but offers a perfect, tangy, inexpensive, delicious white Rioja. At $10 a pop, this is a perfect bistro white wine for salads, cheese, oysters and hot days. 85% Viura, 15% Tempranillo Blanco. (87 points)

2015 Bodegas Carlos Serres Tempranillo Old Vines - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
SRP: $10
Light ruby color. Smoky, earthy, tobacco-laden red fruit on the nose (red apple, strawberry). Medium-bodied with light, simple tannins and vibrant, lip-smacking acidity. Red apple and raspberry mix with black cherry, roasted coffee, scorched earth and tobacco. Juicy, fresh, earthy, pleasant wine for early consumption. All Tempranillo from 20+ year-old vines. (85 points)

2012 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Crianza - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
SRP: $12
Medium ruby color. Smells of tart raspberries and strawberries with notes of smoke, tar, tobacco and hay. Fresh and tangy on the palate with light tannins and bright acid. Tart and juicy raspberries accented with campfire, tobacco, pipe resin and fallen leaves. Fresh and flavorful and good value. Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, aged 14 months in French and American oak and six months in bottle. (86 points)

2010 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
SRP: $15
Deep ruby color. Aromas of red and black cherries, spice coffee, fallen leaves and pipe tobacco. Silky tannins, vibrant acid, this wine shows a fresh and juicy core of black cherry and pomegranate. I get hints of smoky earth, herbal spice, incense and violets. Silky, fresh but complex and showing very well right now. Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, aged 24 months in American and French oak and 12 months in bottle. (88 points)

2015 Faisão Vinho Verde - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde

Not great, but great for 8 bucks.

SRP: $8
Pale lemon color with a slight spritz. Aromas of white peaches, juicy pineapple, lots of white and yellow flowers. Bright and light-bodied on the palate with some slight sweetness but crisp acidity. White peaches galore, guava, lime, this is a fun, fruity, floral and pleasantly easy-drinking Vinho Verde. A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Trajadura, 30% Loureiro. (84 points) 

2015 Faisão Vinho Verde Rosé - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $8
Pale salmon color. Smells salty and tart with white cherries, strawberry greens and rose hips. Bright and tart on the palate, light-bodied, with flavors of watermelon, white cherries, strawberry rhubarb. Notes of sugar cane and floral perfume make this a fun rosé for salads, apps and picnics. A blend of Espadeiro, Borracal and Padeiro. (84 points)

2014 Faisão Dão - Portugal, Beiras, Dão
SRP: $8
Medium ruby colored. Smells of smoky cherries, raspberries, white pepper and tomato greens. Medium-bodied with a fleshy texture, soft tannins and bright acidity. Juicy raspberries and strawberries with pepper, smoke, light roast coffee. Fresh and fruit, simple but pleasant, a nice bistro or barbecue red. A blend of Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Touriga Nacional. (85 points)

Discover Bargains in Portugal's Indigenous Grapes

Portugal has long been a source of value-driven wines that offer refreshment and food pairing options galore. But Portuguese wines also frequently possess a unique regional signature — they remind you that you are drinking a wine that could come from nowhere else. 

What makes entry-level Portuguese wines so exciting to explore (perhaps more so than many similarly-priced wines from some New World regions) is the preponderance of indigenous grapes. Among the plethora of wine grapes grown in Portugal, some 250-plus different varieties are native to the land. Loureiro, Baga, Touriga Nacional, you may never have heard of these grapes, but discovery is part of the fun.  

You can spend a lot on Port and the increasingly renowned dry reds of the Douro Valley, but there are tons of wines in the $10-$20 range worth seeking out.

I recently tasted through three Portuguese wines for part of a Twitter (#winechat) tasting with Master Sommelier Devon Broglie. The tasting was sponsored by Whole Foods, which is selling these wines, among others, as part of a recent Portuguese wine promotion. These wines by no means comprise a snapshot of the best Portugal has to offer, but less than $20, you can get a whole lot of Portuguese goodness.

2013 João Portugal Ramos Vinho Verde "Lima" - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
$10
Light gold color. Nose of honeysuckle, white peaches, green apple slices, also some slate and chalky aspects. Juicy and bouncy on the palate with crisp acid. Clean and bright, lots of grapefruit, green apple and white peach play well off a sense of chalk and crushed rocks. I like the tingling acidity, the nervy approach, and the seafood friendly appeal. Not profoundly complex but nice stuff. Made from 100% Loureiro. (86 points)

2011 Luis Pato Beira Atlântico "Colheita Seleccionada" - Portugal, Beiras, Beira Atlântico
$13
Bright ruby/cherry colored. Smells earthy and dusty, charcoal, anise and black pepper on top of bright black cherries and raspberries. Tart and bright on the palate with medium tannins and refreshing acid. A juicy, forward approach with black cherries and raspberries leading the way. I get smoky notes and some herbal kicks as well, backed up by earthy-dusty-charcoal aspects and sweet cola. Open, forward, fruity and fun but some elegance and earthy complexities. All stainless steel fermentation, aged two years in concrete tank, this is a blend of 70% Baga and 30% Touriga Nacional. (87 points)

2012 Quinta do Crasto Douro "Crasto" - Portugal, Douro
$17
Deep purple color. Juicy plums and blackberries on the nose, along with rocky soil, some lavender, roses and coffee. Medium but manageable tannins, a fine and dusty wine, medium acid. Bright and juicy plums all the way, pure and fun. Notes of loam, charcoal, coffee and anise. Moderate structure for near-term cellaring but good to drink now. Great intro to the Douro that is sure to wine over many a palate. Long, earthy, smoky finish. A blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca. (88 points)

Dry Rosé: Not Just for Summer

Summer’s been over for a while. Sigh. But rosé season never really ends — at least it shouldn’t. I drink the pink year-round because I love the crispness of dry rosé and the food pairing options. And a lot of rosé wines get discounted after their summer heyday, so bargains abound.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted for a report on the daily wine blog Terroirist, where this piece was first published.

2013 Château les Crostes Côtes de Provence - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence
SRP: $21
On the nose, I get more sweet flowers than the other wines, along with strawberries and crisp watermelon. Tang and spritz on the palate, with nervy acid. Flavors of wild strawberries, watermeln rind, slight herbal element. Deep, concentrated minerality in this wine, which I really like. Complex, lively, memorable, this begs for summer cook-outs. (89 points)

2013 Domaine du Tariquet Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne Rosé de Pressée - France, Southwest France, Gascony, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne
SRP: $10
The nose shows white cherries, strawberries, rhubarb and white pepper. Super tangy on the palate with tangy strawberries, grapefruit and lemon zinger tea. Spicy and crisp. 40% Merlot, 40% Syrah, 20% Tannat. (86 points)

2013 Domaine de Nizas Rosé - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc
SRP: $13
Salmon-copper colored. Smells of rose hips, white cherries, wild strawberries and a hint of green grass. Juicy and ripe on the palate with white cherry, strawberry and watermelon flavors. Medium acid provides some freshness while notes of white pepper and green herbs add some complexity. Fun stuff, albeit not the most complex pink. 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. (85 points)

2011 Las Lilas Vinho Verde - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $10
A bright strawberry color with a lot of spritz in the glass. Smells of strawberries, white cherries, sweet roses and sweet candle wax. Crisp and fizzy on the palate, this is a bright watermelon and strawberry-driven wine, light bodied, fun but it’s also pretty, food-friendly and full of life. The boisterous fizz adds to the fun of the wine. I can’t think of a better way to spend $10 on a summer wine. Drink up, though. (86 points)

2013 Isabel Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon “Deep Rose” - California, Napa Valley
SRP: $20
Well, it’s a deep rose color for sure. I get lots of watermelon, strawberries and some spicy elements of pepper and rhubarb. Some good structure for a rose, with light tannins and fresh acid. Juicy white cherries, watermelon and some spice mix with white and black pepper. Tasty, picnic-friendly, crowd-pleasing. (86 points)

2013 Bodegas San Alejandro Calatayud Rosado “Las Rocas” - Spain, Aragón, Calatayud
SRP: $14
Bright watermelon colored. On the nose, I get cranberry juice, strawberries\, some sea salt, green and white pepper, some rose hips. Crisp acid and medium body, the wine shows crunchy white cherries and cranberries. Notes of white pepper and spiced citrus tea add complexity. A lot of fun to sip on its own, but this would be great with a backyard grill spread. 100% Garnacha. (87 points)

N.V. Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé - California, Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $36
A bright strawberry-salmon color. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon tart, roses, some toasted bread. Crisp and nervy on the palate, with live-wire acidity and fine bubbles. Flavors of McIntosh apple, watermelon rind and wild strawberries, all of it clean and crunchy. Not incredibly deep in concentration or aging potential, but it’s showing a ton of precision and punch right now. A blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay. (90 points)

Wine Reviews: Portugal, Land of Diversity and Value

This complex and terroir-drived Vinho Verde was the
biggest surprise of the tasting. And it's only $23!

Whether it’s easy-sipping aperitifs, complex oak-aged whites or rich reds, you can find it in Portugal. And you don’t need to spend a fortune. (Vintage Port is the notable exception, but the 2011 Vintage Port in this report is still a steal at $80.) These wines — just a drop in the Portuguese bucket — were received as trade samples and tasted sighted for a report in the daily wine blog Terroirist.  

2012 Gazela Vinho Verde - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $7
Slight fizz. Aromas of grapefruit, lime and a slight herbal note. Tangy and fresh, with very fine bubbles. The grapefruit, lemon and margarita salt flavors are bright and easy. Seems like a perfect summer beach wine. (85 points)

2012 Quinta de Gomariz Loureiro Vinho Verde Colheita Seleccionada - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $14
A straw-slightly grassy color. Bursting with lemon, pineapple, honeysuckle and minerals on the nose. Starts off with a big dose of acid, but the creamy fruit comes in to back it up (green melon, pineapple, apricot). I like the kick of minerals and the dried honey and white tea aspects to this wine. Crisp, very clean and refreshing. (86 points)

2011 Aphros Vinho Verde Daphné - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $23
Nose smells of apricot, white peach, and an aroma that reminds me newly unpackaged rubber. There’s also an oily, hazelnut aroma as well. Crisp, medium+ acid with some richness to the body. Delicious green apple, white peach, lime and fresh apricot, accented with sea salt, oyster shells. Also some nutty, creamy, whipped honey aspects. Clean, floral, mineral-driven. A beautiful Vinho Verde, 100% Loureiro, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in old oak and chestnut barrels. Has the mineral and oceanic elements of a granite soil Muscadet and the stone fruit purity of a Mosel Riesling. I’m seriously impressed. (91 points)

2012 Quinta da Raza Alvarinho Grande Escolha - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Regional MinhoSRP: $11
Pale straw color. Aromas of melon, guava, and some sea salt and lime aspects. Tangy on the palate, with creamy honey, green melon, lime. There’s some real pop and punch to this white. High acid but juicy and waxy in texture. A great wine to have with salads. (87 points)

2010 Casal do Paço Padreiro Vinho Verde Afros Silenus - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $?
A magenta-purple color. Wonderfully smoky and meaty on the nose, with pepper, dried flowers and pickling spices. Wow, the acid is so tart on the palate, but there’s enough dusty tannin to fight back. Mineral-driven, with black cherry and tart cranberry fruit, backed up by green and black pepper, pickling spices and charcoal. A tingling and tart wine. I love it, and I’d love it even more with some grilled sausage and peppers. From the Vinhão grape. (89 points)

2010 Quinta de Roriz Douro Prazo de Roriz - Portugal, Douro
SRP: $16
Nose shows bright cherries and cranberries on the nose, with some roses, anise and earth. Fully-bodied with tangy acid, chewy tannins tannins. Currant fruit leads the way, and I get a lot of earth smoke and iron. Some anise and sweet lavender on the finish. Tasty stuff for a great price. A blend of red Port grapes including Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Amarela. (87 points)

2011 Prats and Symington Douro Post Scriptum de Chryseia - Portugal, Douro
SRP: $25
A light purple color. Roasted coffee and smoke accent the plum and black cherry aromas. Nice grit from the tannins but freshness comes from the acid. The black cherry and plum fruit is pure and crisp, backed up by coffee, rich loam and a pleasant dose of vanilla and cinnamon. The finish is long and delicious. Impressive structure, this wine has some staying power. A blend of 56% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 7% Tinta Barroca and 7% Tinta Roriz. (89 points)

2011 Sandeman Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
SRP: $80
Dark, lush purple color. Aromas of brandied plums, blackberry jam, charcoal and violets. So full and big on the palate, with prune and blackberry fruit mixed with sweet coconut shavings and chocolate. A deep sense of crushed rocks and granite. Sweet and saucy but still fresh. Long, full, intense finish. So good, but so young. If you got married in 2011, bury some of this for your 30th! The first declared vintage since 2007, and it’s awesome. (92 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Summer's Winding Down, but Rosé is Always in Season

Summer may be on the way out, but rosé season never really ends. Lucky for lovers of the pink, many retailers mark down rosés after the summer peak, making good deals even better. I recently tasted through a mixed bag of rosés and found some wines that could be enjoyed during any time of the year.

All wines were received as samples and tasted blind.

2012 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé - France, Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
SRP: $12
Pale grapefruit skin color. Smells zesty and oceanic, with grapefruit rind, wild cherry, sea shells, lemon zest. Very light and fresh, showing lots of acid. The fruit flavors taste a bit light, like lemon rind and grapefruit rind mixed with mineral water. It’s refreshing, just not all that complex or thought-provoking. Serve well chilled at a party, though, and I bet everyone will be happy. 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre. (85 points)

2012 Château de Sours Rosé - France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Rosé
SRP: $15
A kind of salmon and rosewater color. It smells like a mix of wildflowers, the yellow ones, the purple ones, the honeysuckle, with some grapefruit as well. Light and crisp on the palate, with a flavor profile of melons, lemons and roses. The citrus finish has just a hint of pepper. Simple, but nice. 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. (83 points)


Vinho Verde means green wine, but this region of
Portugal also produces some equally tasty pinks.

2012 Casa do Valle Vinho Verde - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
SRP: $10
Slight spritz in the glass with an incredibly vibrant ruby color, somewhere between a Provence rosé and a California pinot noir. Smells of roses and sweet McIntosh apple. The palate is bright and tangy, with strawberry, red apple and sweet watermelon flavors. The acid and spritz make this so easy to drink. Notes of white pepper and hazelnut add some unexpected complexity. Seems like a really versatile wine. Made from the red grapes Vinhao and Rabo-de-Ovelha. What a bargain. (87 points)

2012 Stinson Vineyards Mourvedre Rosé - United States, Virginia, Central Region, Monticello
SRP: $17
Ruby red grapefruit juice color with a little bit of spritz. Smells like fresh bananas, watermelon, strawberry greens and a hint of salt. Tart on the palate, with fresh acid to balance out the rich watermelon and banana fruit. Hint of pepper as well. Crisp and fun, and one of the better Virginia rosés I’ve tasted in recent memory. (86 points)

2012 Gary Farrell Rosé of Pinot Noir - United States, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $28
A copper-salmon color. Smells of watermelon, white cherries and a mix of red and white flowers. On the palate, this rosé is medium-bodied with tangy acid and a good amount of creaminess. The cherry and red apple fruit is bright and crisp, and it’s all backed up by saline and mineral tones. The finish is long and full of lemon zest and minerals. Delicious and complex, it all comes down to the quality of the fruit in this wine. (90 points)

N.V. Peju Province Winery “Tess” Red & White Blend - United States, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $20
Okay, so I’m not sure this officially qualifies as a “rosé” but oh well. It’s a medium ruby color, almost like a young pinot noir. Aromas of cherry, cranberry, cola and rhubarb. Very tangy and fresh on the palate, with lots of juicy cherries, McIntosh apples along with herbal notes. Very faint tannins and medium acid, it reminds me of a lighter-styled pinot noir. Turns out this is a Napa kitchen sink blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc aged for 10 months in neutral French oak. It has the color and red fruit of a red wine but the freshness of a rosé. Best served slightly chilled. (85 points)

2012 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Syrah Rosé “Corallina” – United States, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $20
Medium salmon color. This rosé shows aromas of melon rind, some cheese and some bell pepper. Brisk on the palate with crisp acid and snappy white cherry fruit. There’s this cucumber flavor that strikes me as odd, but it’s still a fun wine. (83 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.