Thursday, June 14, 2012

PORTUGAL--WINES of DIVERSITY by Philip S. Kampe

PORTUGAL is home to over 250 grape varieties. The diverse soils and multitude of microclimates produce award winning wines that consistently exceed expectations of winemakers, consumers and critics alike.
PORTUGAL has DOC's that stretch from the ALGARVE in the south to VINHO VERDE in the north.  Between these two geographical locations, DOC's exist in the Madiera Islands, the Azores, Alentejo, Peninsula de Setubal, Lisboa, Tejo, Beira Interior, Bairrada, Tras-Os-Montes, Dao e Lafoes, Tavora e Varosa and Porto e Douro.
The most famous grapes of Portugal include: (white) ALVARINHO, ENCRUZADO, FERNAO PIRES and ARINTO; (red) BAGA, CASTELAO, TRINCADEIRA, TINTA RORIZ, TOURIGA FRANCA and TOURIGA NACIONAL.
The history of winemaking goes back to 2000 BC. Rich heritage combined with modern technology produce 'Unique' wines.
Recently, I was invited to a WINES of PORTUGAL tasting event that focused on over 300 wines, some with importers and some who are looking for importers. The event was a rare glimpse into the amount of exceptional varieties that exist in this special European country. The wines were special in many ways, including price and quality, elegance and finesse and flavors that linger in your palate.
Some of my favorite wines with Importers include (White): ESPORAO VERDELHO (Alentejo) 2011; PROVA REGIA PREMIUM (Bucelas DOC) 2011; QUINTA de ENCONTRO (Bairrada DOC) 2011; LIMA (Vinho Verde DOC) 2011; PASA (Douro DOC) 2011; GURU (Douro DOC) 2010; QUINTA de GARRIDA (Dao DOC) 2011; PARUS (Peninsula de Setubal ) 2011 and QUINTA de S.FRANCISCO (Lisboa DOC) 2011.
(Reds) CLAUSTRUS (Douro DOC) 2009; MONSARAZ (Alentejo DOC) 2010; FORAL de EVORA (Alentejo DOC) 2009; CHARAMBA (Douro DOC) 2008; PINTAS (Douro DOC) 2009; COSTA de POMBAL (Douro DOC) 2010; ADEGA de BORBA RESERVA (Alentejo DOC) 2008 and CABRIZ C.S. (Dao DOC) 2009.
(Fortified Wines) REAL COMPANHIA VELHA 10 YO TAWNEY (Douro, Porto); MOSCATEL VISTA ALEGRE 10 YO (Douro); PORTO VISTA ALEGRE 30 YO TAWNEY and GRAHAM'S 20 YO PORT (Douro, Porto).
Your retail wine shop should carry a number of those wines I have listed above. The wines from Portugal are high quality wines that are sold at reasonable prices.
Join the PORTUGUESE WINE REVOLUTION!
I have....

PHILIP S. KAMPE

1 comment:

Maria Reveley said...

Very insightful. I agree the wines from Portugal are quality wines at reasonable prices.

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