Portuguese Wines - More than just Lancers and Mateus
Apr 03 '00
Portuguese wines are often hard to find in the United States unless you live in New England or California...areas with a large Portuguese population. And unfortunately when I mention Portuguese wines to people here in the United States, the ones they are often familiar with are Lancers and Mateus. Based on that, I can see why people often have a low opinion of Portuguese wines. But the thing is...I travel to Portugal at least once a year and not once have I ever seen a Portuguese person drink either of these two wines. Lancers and Mateus are usually being "enjoyed" by either tourists or Americans who are stationed out there with the military.
There are actually many Portuguese wines that I consider to be very good. Oh, and something to think about...France is the major importer of Portuguese wines.
This review is not of a particular wine...but instead a basic overview of different types of wine produced by Portugal and the various wine regions there. Maybe it will help guide those of you lucky enough to have Portuguese wines at your local liquor store.
VINHO VERDE
Literally translated, this means "green wine". You will find both red green wines and white green wines. There are a couple of theories as to why these wines were given the name green. Some say it's because the grapes are picked green. Others say it's because the region that produces them (the northern Minho Province) has an intensely green landscape. Or maybe it's because these wines are drunk young.
The white version of the green wine is a very light wine - crisp and slightly effervescent. It is dry yet delicately fruity. Great to drink while hanging out on a hot summer day or as an accompaniment to simple fish dinners (not fish with heavy sauces or fish stews and the like) or shellfish. Try the Gazella, Casal Garcia, or any of the ones produced by Quinta da Aveleda.
I am not a fan of the red version at all...it's very tart.
DAO
I have no problem finding wines from this region here. There are some lovely reds but the whites sometimes suffer in crossing. (Tip: A good Dao white should be pale like the color of straw - not as dark as beer.)
Dao reds must age at least 18 months before they are sold - but best drinking is at 3 to 5 years. It's a heavy wine (a bit tannic at times) that's a great accompaniment to hearty stews in the winter.
DOURO
This region yields some full-flavored red and white table wines. Constantino's white Monopólio and Ferreira's red Barca Velha would be good ones to start out with.
BAIRRADA
Spicy white wines that are a joy to drink with some nicely grilled swordfish or tuna steaks!
The reds are robust and fruity.
COLARES
This region produces both red and white table wines. The whites are nutty and low-acid. The reds are rich and sometimes astringent when young but they mellow with age. I've enjoyed the reds with game dinners before.
VARIOUS TERMS YOU'LL ENCOUNTER ON PORTUGUESE WINE LABELS
Branco - white wine
Doce - a sweet wine
Ligeiro - used to describe light table wines
Maduro - indicates a full bodied wine
Seco - a dry wine
Tinto - red wine
Vinho de Mesa - table wine
Colheita - The vintage or year a wine was produced
Denominacao de origem - The wine's place of origin
Regiao - would also refer to the region where a wine is produced
Quinta - an estate or farm
Reserva - A reserve or better than average wine
Reserva Especial - a particularly good Reserva
Garrafeira - A private cellar (usually indicates top quality)
Happy taste testing!
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Epinions.com ID:
SusanARI
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Member: Susan
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
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