Category Archives: Portugal

Book Review: Port and the Douro by Richard Mayson

Posted on September 25, 2024 by don

This is the 4th edition of Richard Mayson’s detailed treatise on the Douro, first published in 1999.  It is an extensive reworking of the previous edition with updates on the vintages, the producers and the Douro wine industry.  However, the … Continue reading →

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Monte Bluña: A Boutique Producer in Lisbon’s Arruda dos Vinhos DOC

Posted on January 4, 2023 by don

Monte Bluña is a small, quality-oriented producer in the Arruda dos Vinhos DOC, which lies within easy commuting distance (30 km) of Lisbon. Monte Bluña is one of the region’s smaller producers with just 6 hectares of white (Arinto and … Continue reading →

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Sherry and Port: Recommendations for Drinking and Giving

Posted on December 10, 2022 by don

There’s no better time of year than now to drink fortified wines than when the temperatures sink, and the winds blow cold.  It’s the perfect time to sit by the fireplace and open a bottle of Sherry or Port to … Continue reading →

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New Releases of Colonial Styled Madeiras from Vinhos Barbeito & the Rare Wine Co.

Posted on December 7, 2022 by don

Since 1998 Mannie Berk of the Rare Wine Co. has worked with Ricardo Freitas of Vinhos Barbeito to express the styles of Madeira drunk in the US colonial period. Different styles of Madeira became popular in different colonial cities. Cities … Continue reading →

Posted in Countries and Regions, Fortified, Portugal, Portuguese, Uncategorized, Wine Type | 1 Comment

Special Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers: Selections from the Finest Wines Reviewed in 2021

Posted on December 14, 2021 by don

  What to give a friend who appreciates and is knowledgeable about wine?  In this article, we give our recommendations based on the many fine wines we’ve tasted this year.  The list includes Champagne, Sparkling Rosé, California Pinot Noir, Napa … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Champagne, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Dessert Wine, France, Italy, Oregon, Portugal, Portuguese, Red Wine, South Africa, Spain, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Comments Off on Special Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers: Selections from the Finest Wines Reviewed in 2021

Red Blends from Portugal’s Alentejo Region

Posted on February 1, 2021 by don

Alentejo is Portugal’s largest region, extending from the Tagus River in the north to the Algarve in the south.   As a region, it is both scenic and historic.  Predominantly located inland, it is also hot, dry, and sparsely populated. It … Continue reading →

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Ringing in 2021 with Vintage Dated Ports

Posted on December 18, 2020 by don

Ports are perfect for the Holidays, both for drinking by the fire and for giving to special friends. In this article, we report on some of our favorite vintage dated Ports. They include:  Vintage Ports, Single Quinta Vintage Ports, and … Continue reading →

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Selections from Portugal: Affordable Current Releases

Posted on November 18, 2020 by don

Portugal is home to 400 varieties of grapes, many of which make delicious wines and most of which are unfamiliar to the average consumer.  In this article, we review some current releases of white and red blends of Portuguese grape varieties … Continue reading →

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Wines to Brighten Up Your Thanksgiving

Posted on November 10, 2020 by don

For most of us 2020’s Thanksgiving will be different.    Because of the COVID pandemic,  family and friends will not be gathering in  large numbers to celebrate.   Instead,  we’ll keep it smaller for the sake of everyone’s heath. Although we’ll … Continue reading →

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Alvaro Castro: Outstanding Selections from the Dão

Posted on July 31, 2020 by don

Alvaro Castro is one of the most accomplished winemakers in Portugal.  Since 1980 he has served as winemaker for his family’s properties at Quinta da Pellada and Quinta de Saes. Alvaro crafts elegant wines sourced from traditional varieties with minimal intervention … Continue reading →

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