Even with a weak dollar, Europe still has some great buys for our Consumed to Thrifty times.
At the Tasting featuring products of Wine Cooperatives from Portugal I was amazed at how affordable many of their Table Wines were.
Over the summer I tried a number of Portuguese Reds that are food and palate friendly and fit most budgets.
Here are 3 recent picks that I lined up on my table for this review in no specific order.
First mention goes to Quinta do Casal Branco 'RED' Ribatejo(DOC) 2007.
If it was made in California, they would call it Meritage as it is a blend of no less than 5 grapes, Castelao (30%), Trincadeira (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Alicante Bouschet (20%) and Touriga Nacional (10%).
Ripe fruits, ruby red color and they say chocolate, I say cacao.
The owner has also a passion for horses according to a piece in Horse Magazine…
Next comes Telha d Ouro (2005) a blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca with grapes from low yields vineyards in Extremadura, deep red color, light tannins and long finish.
Pleasant but did not rock me, It did get accolades from Decanter amongst others.
Last comes Quinta Da Corteza 'Vinha Conchas' (2008) made of the trio Tinta Toriz (58%), Touriga Nacional (34%) and Trincadeira (8%) also from Estremadura, a tie with Quinta do Casal Branco as my favorite.
This young wine has the advantage of being relatively low in alcohol (12,5 %). Amongst food pairings suggested by the winemaker are pizza, salads and even Asian fare.
All 3 wines should be found in the US around $9.
Enjoy and don't be shy about sharing your own Portuguese best buys.