On April 1st, no joke, I hopped on the train for the Wines of Portugal Annual Grand Tasting at Cipriani in New York, near Grand Central Station.
Good move on the organizers part as the big hall hosted around 50 producers so people where not stepping on each other.
I also have to commend them for having tables set with food (sashimi, smoked salmon, seafood salad and cheese) as doors opened at 2 PM.
I managed to selectively sample around 25 producers. about half of what was on offer.
If I had to pick a producer that made an impression on me, I would choose Alves de Sousa, represented by Tiago Alves de Sousa. They are from the Douro region and after being growers for generations started making their own wines in the late 80's.
They showcased 10 of their wines.
My favorites were the Reserva Pessoal Branco (2005) made of Malvasia Fina, Gouveio and Viosinho and I think 12 other grapes. Skin contact and the maceration gives it concentrated flavors.
Its straw yellow color is not unlike some Jura wines.
The ripe, full texture will make it stand up to many foods.
Number two on my list, the Abandonado (2007). Made mostly of Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca and Tinta Toriz from 80 year old vines on slopes with a lot of sun exposure, the vineyard experiences swings in temperature and only the old vines could survive hence the name 'Abandoned'.
Rich, nice tannins, gets the balance right.
Publico Journal (Dec 2009) describes it as:
Exuberant in the nose, powerful in the palate, a recital of complexity
and vigour. It gathers the best of ripe black fruit with the eucalyptus
freshness. A diamond that time will help to polish."
I don't believe they are available yet in the US but when they are the Pessoal Branco would retail a little above $30 and the Abandonado for $70.
Special wines for special occasions.