Category Archives: Portugal

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line.  Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fonseca Bin 27

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray

Fonseca Porto Bin No. 27 This is the brand’s vintage character offering, blending a sense of dark fruits, the sweetness of raisins, chocolate and a spiritous character. Manoel Pedro Guimaraens founded the winery in 1822. It is now run by … Continue reading →

Posted in Duoro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal | Tagged | Leave a comment

Dry white wines from Europe

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Ray

Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco Unfortunately this bottle is showing some volatility. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. This purchase was bottled in 2010 in Anadia 9% $5.49 at … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Alto Adige, France, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Portugal, Vinho Verde | Tagged | Leave a comment

The White Wines of Vinho Verde 2009

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray

Fâmega, Vinho Verde, Vinho Branco 2009 The nose speaks of lemon and lemon zest. In the mouth it is zippy with acidity, light-bodied and tart with a light bit of sparkle, further enhancing its refreshing character – very nice. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Minho, Moncao, Portugal, Vinho Verde | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Dow’s Porto

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ray

Dow’s, Porto, Quinta do Bomfim, Vintage 1996 The nose features brandied cherries, with a bit of prunes as well. In the mouth, the tannins have resolved yielding a silky yet warm dessert, with the beginning of some nuttiness. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal, Single Quinta Port, Tawny Port | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rare Wine Co. Malmsey Special Reserve

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ray

The Rare Wine Co., Madeira, Historic Series, New York Malmsey, Special Reserve nv The nose is smoky and dark, with brown sugar and more than a hint of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, the pruny character is in full … Continue reading →

Posted in Fortified dessert, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Portugal | Tagged | Leave a comment

Blandy’s 5 Year Sercial

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ray

Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Sercial nv The nose features dried fruits and nuts, melding a sense of citrus and raisins with honey all wrapped into a nutty dessert. The complexity is great and always leads one down a garden … Continue reading →

Posted in Aperitif, Madeira, Portugal, Sercial | Tagged | Leave a comment

Dow’s Porto LBV 2004

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Ray

Dow’s, Porto, Late Bottled Vintage 2004 Blackberries and prunes mark the nose with an appropriate sense of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, chocolate combines with nuts and figs and brandy’s strength. Bottled in 2009 by Symington Family Estates in … Continue reading →

Posted in Duoro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal | Tagged | 2 Comments

Blandy 5 Year Bual

Posted on March 6, 2010 by Ray

Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Bual nv Toffee meets raisins with a spriritous character in the nose. In the mouth the weight is there, with nuttiness, caramel and a lighter shade of residual sugar than you find with Blandy’s Malmsey. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bual, Fortified dessert, Madeira, Portugal | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Blandy’s 5 Year Old Verdelho

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Ray

Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Verdelho nv The flavor profile puts together the best of Amontillado from Spain with a splash of sweetness. You’ll find a woody, nutty essence with warmth and dried oranges. This is a weighty aperitif that … Continue reading →

Posted in Aperitif, Madeira, Portugal, Verdelho | Tagged , | Leave a comment