When most people think of Portuguese wines they think of port. And no doubt, the soul-soothing warm, rich flavor is iconic.
But Portuguese wines are so much more.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Vinho Verde. This is a light, refreshing, low-alcohol white wine that is absolutely perfect for outside summer sipping.
It’s a consistent wine; I’ve never had a bad one. It’s also extremely affordable, usually coming in at under $10. And it’s portable — most often it boasts a screw top, so it’s great to bring on picnics and outdoor concerts.
Quinta dos Murcas Reserva 2011
I always wondered about Portuguese red wines. I tried one or two in the past that while very affordable, I found to be a bit too light in body and flavor.
Then I tried Quinta dos Murcas Reserva 2011. Retailing at about $45, this is a wonderful red blend. In fact, I’d say this is one of my top two red blends I’ve had to date.
My only regret was opening it for a quiet night at home and not waiting to have shared it with friends. Then when I poured my second glass, I had no regrets. I mean I love my friends, but I can always open another bottle of this wine with them another time. It felt good to be a little decadent and indulge myself.
The nose has notes of vanilla, black pepper and all-spice. The taste is an extremely well-balanced, dry blend of black fruit, licorice, and good minerality. Excellent structure and firm tannins.
I’d become accustomed to many red blends being a muddled mix of heavy fruit, with one varietal trying to minimize another varietal’s flaws. This wine had each varietal working together harmoniously.
Unfamiliar with some of the varietals at play, I did a bit of research and found some of the varietals are also used in port.
Assobio Red 2013
Want something a little lighter in body and in price? The Assobio Red 2013 is another blend that drinks extremely well and is bargain priced at only $13 a bottle.
Red fruits and dark berries mingle with black and green pepper. A clean, dry red with excellent structure, this wine goes down easily and could be a go-to summer red.
Fresh and fun, this wine pairs easily with appetizers and even salads. A perfect wine to bring to a party, or to build one around.
Assobio 2013 White Blend
I also tried another Portuguese white, the Assobio 2015 white blend. Lemony and dry, this wine is likely to appeal to Sauvignon blanc, Sancerre as well as Pinot grigio drinkers, but it is softer, more textured and balanced.
It is infinitely easier to drink than most Sauvignon blancs and far more interesting than most Pinot grigios. Coming in at just under $20, this wine is one of the most enjoyable white wines I’ve experienced.
Manoella Douro 2012 Red
This was an interesting red, priced at about $20. Some vegetable notes, which usually I’m not a fan of, blend with smoke, earth and tobacco to create a layered and elegant wine. Very easy drinking and medium-bodied, this makes for a nice seasonally transitional red for both the spring and the fall.
Follies 2013 Red Blend
Retailing at about $10 a bottle, the Follies 2013 is a blend of 70% touriga-nacional and cab 30%. This wine tastes far more expensive than its bargain price. Once it opens up, and you definitely should give it a chance to breathe, it’s a delicious, dark, medium-bodied blend with plenty of mocha, dark fruit, and tobacco.
While the cabernet is present, this blend is slightly lighter in body than some heavy-handed California blends. This is another wine that can transition well for drinking throughout the seasons.
But be sure to give it a chance to open before drinking. You can decant, or aerate, or just give it 15 or 20 minutes in the glass before drinking. I’m horrible at that. I want it in my mouth as soon as it’s in my glass. Patience is not my virtue. Explains why I write about wine as opposed to making it, or — gasp! — growing grapes.
Linda Delmonico Prussen is a Long Island-based award-winning journalist passionate about all things wine.
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