Category Archives: Portugal

The Alicante Bouschet Wines of the Alentejo

Posted on August 2, 2019 by don

Alicante Bouschet originated in Franc, but today its principal home is in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Developed in 1886 as a cross of Petit Bouschet and Grenache, it’s a teinturier (red colored flesh) grape that produces inky red wines. … Continue reading →

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2018 Vintage Rosés from Spain and Portugal

Posted on June 5, 2019 by don

This article on the rosés of the Iberian Peninsula is one of a series covering the vintage 2018 rosés currently in the American marketplace. We earlier published an article on Tavel rosés titled Tavel: The Rosé of Kings. Future articles … Continue reading →

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Succulent Sweet Wines for the Holidays: The Best of 2018

Posted on December 20, 2018 by don

What better time of the year to open a bottle of profusely perfumed, deeply flavored sweet wine than the Holidays?  We’ve tasted a lot of them this past year from Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Washington, and, most recently, the Atlantic Coast … Continue reading →

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Herdade do Rocim: New Releases from Portugal’s Alentejo

Posted on June 13, 2018 by don

Located in the Baixo Alentejo with 70 hectares of vineyards (53 red, 17 white) and 10 ha of olives, Herdade do Rocim was founded by the late José Ribeiro Vieira. Today, his daughter Catarina Vieira and husband Pedro Ribeiro own … Continue reading →

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Obrigado: Impressive New Releases from Portugal

Posted on March 22, 2018 by mike

Over the past two decades, Portugal has made dramatic progress in producing world class red and white table wines.  Today, in the Douro, the Dão,  Alentejo and other regions many  talented winemakers are  crafting exciting wines from an amazing myriad of … Continue reading →

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New Releases from José Maria da Fonseca of Portugal

Posted on November 5, 2017 by mike

While best known for its Periquita and Lancer’s rose, two enormously successful wines, the Jose Maria da Fonseca  winery produces a large and diversified portfolio of high quality Portuguese table wines.   Domingos Soares Franco is one of Portugal’s most accomplished … Continue reading →

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A Magnificent Wine Dinner for the Holidays by Two Outstanding Chefs

Posted on December 16, 2016 by mike

Two outstanding chefs, Domenico Cornacchia of Assaggi Osteria (right) and Driss Zahidi of Evo Bistro (left)  joined forces last evening preparing a magnificent holiday dinner for their customers.  The dinner was held at Assaggi Osteria in McLean, VA. 

Posted in Fortified, Italy, Portugal, Portuguese, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The US Wine Market in a Nutshell: 2014 Winners & Losers

Posted on April 27, 2015 by don

Surprising US market trends for 2014:  sales of high priced wines are rising, while low priced wines are falling; Sauvignon Blanc is the biggest winner among single varietals, while Syrah is the biggest loser; red wine blends and rosé wine … Continue reading →

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New Selections from Portuguese Negociant, Rui Abecassis

Posted on April 29, 2014 by mike

Last year we introduced Rui Abecassis to our readers.  Rui is a new negociant of Portuguese wines who has a talent for selecting fruit forward, charming and affordable wines.  These four wines are among his newest selections and they are a joy to drink.   … Continue reading →

Posted in Portugal, Red Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine | 1 Comment

Quinta do Vale Meão: New 2011 Releases from Portugal

Posted on December 5, 2013 by mike

This historic quinta (estate), one of the finest in the Douro, was founded in 1877 by the legendary Port producer Dona Antónia  Adelaide Ferreira.  Today it is owned by her great grandson the affable Francisco “Tito” Olazabal, former Managing Director … Continue reading →

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