After their harrowing experience with the Big Bad Wolf, the three little pigs decided to decompress in Portugal when they saw this sign for what they thought (due to their poor translation skills) was a happy pig spa. Unfortunately for them, it wasn't and they were never heard from again. I think the Wolf is trying to sell off the brick house as condos.

 

What in the world does this have to do with wine? On a recent trip to Portugal I was thrilled to find a whole country of people that love pork as much as I. The love it so much they eat it at every meal and have entire restaurants where there is no menu, only suckling pig. As a result, the wines served pair perfectly with all things porcine. The rich fruit of the wine acts as a glaze for the pork in your mouth while the underlying spice highlights the rich palate of seasoning that have been utilized.

 

The most famous of Portugal's vast bounty of wine is Port. A name that the US government allows to be used willy-nilly on any sweet wine based concoction that has lead many people to the conclusion that they don't like it. Unfortunately they are missing out on a whole range of wines from dry (White Port) to sweet and from rich luscious red (Ruby Port) to beautiful bronze in color (Tawny Port). But this is not where the story ends.

 

An approximately 4 hour drive to the south brings you to a land far from the unbelievably steep terrace vineyards of the Douro to the gently rolling hills of Alentejo. Gone are the dense forests full of tropical flora to be replaced by near desert-like conditions and vast plains dotted with cork oaks. This very different climate leads to the production of some of the country's greatest still wines (that would be a wine-snob reference to wines that haven't been fortified in the same manner as Port). The same grapes are utilized but, in very different ways.

 

In Port there are around eighty allowed grapes, five of which are recommended. One of these is our old friend, Tinta Roriz, know elsewhere as Tempranillo! Many of you will remember the virtues of this grape extolled on these pages previously. Alongside Tempranillo is Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Touriga Franca and many, many others. Just to throw a little more confusion in the mix, down south Tempranillo is known as Aragonez.

 

If you like wine, you'll love what Portugal has to offer. Though the grapes sound weird the pleasing palate is universal. Be sure and sample some of the best Portugal has to offer:

 

Grao Vasco, Dao. If you like Pinot Noir, you'll love this wine. A ruby red hue characterized by its intense fruit aromas with notes of plum, fig and blackberry, combined with mineral, black tea and spices. On the palate, it is a wine that is distinguishable by its great balance and smoothness. Only 8.99!!!

 

 

Quinta dos Murcas, Assobio. This opaque and dark purple colored red blend from Portugal is a steal and was very well received by our tasting group. It opens with a spicy black cherry bouquet with hint of black raspberry and blueberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced, fruit forward and very easy to drink. Only 15.99!!!

 

 

Heredade Do Esporao, Touriga Nacional. 14.5% alcohol. Beautiful packaging. Very rich, dark, intense and powerful with spice and vanilla notes alongside ripe red berry fruits on the nose. The palate has a firm, spicy, tarry edge to the lush, intense cherry and berry fruit. A Cab lover's Portuguese. Only 32.99!!!

 

 

 

Prices good through 1/25/12 while supplies last.

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