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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
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Portugal is a land of contrasts, with vines clinging to an array of soils and hundreds of diverse micro-climates, with 250 indigenous wine grape varietals from 14 different wine regions.  From the cool, refreshing whites of the northern Vinho Verde, known for its Alvarinho, to the hot, parched southern Alentejo, with its Alicante Bouschet, in between the two are some of the more recognizable wine regions, the Dão and Douro, known for Touriga Nacional, considered Portugal’s national grape.  These contrasts make the cornucopia of Portuguese wines so fascinating, and their price points tag them as a best buy.  For these reasons, and so many more, the Wines of Portugal should be a part of your wine drinking repertoire.
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(L-R) Evan Goldstein and Eugenio Jardim
Wines of Portugal showcased this amazing array of wines in a combination masterclass/producer tasting, "Perspectives on Portugal", for the wine trade at the Beverly Hills Hotel last year.  Their US Ambassador, Eugenio Jardim, and Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein presented an impressive case for this treasure chest of wines, unique in so many ways.  Native winegrape varietals not seen anywhere else, a long history of winemaking, and knowledge handed down from generation to generation are a few of the reasons that the wines of Portugal are so different.
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First, “A to Z:  Portugal’s Eno Alphabet Master Class” delved into a dozen wines, six white and six red, all spotlighting the star winegrape varietals.  To help identify these indigenous winegrape aroma/flavor profiles with more main stream wines, comparisons were drawn, in the “If You Like” column.  But once experienced, these wines will never be confused with other European varietals.  Ready for something new?  Here’s a guide to some of the best that Portugal has to offer.
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White Wines: 

Gouveio made a lively and elegant Caves Transmontanas Vértice Gouveio 2008 sparkling wine, a blend of 85% Gouveio and 15% Arinto, whose fine mousse and textured stonefruit profile was so delightful.  (If you like Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Semillon, you’ll like Gouveio) 

​Alvarinho, whose higher acidity, lower alcohol, and crunchy fruit was so beautifully displayed in the João Portugal Ramos 2015, a product of sustainable viticulture and partial fermentation in new French oak.  (If you like Albariño, Pinot Grigio, and Dry Riesling, you’ll like Alvarinho)   

Azal Branco, whose pungent aromas and fresh profile made for an intriguing white wine in the 2016 Quinta de Linhares.  (If you like Arinto, Dry Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Blanc, you’ll like Azal) 

Bical, an aromatic early ripening white grape, capable of aging up to 20 years, strutted its savory, mineral character in the 2015 Quinta Dos Roques with grip and intensity.  (If you like Dry Riesling, ripe Gruner Veltliner or Albariño, you’ll like Bical) 

Malvasia Fina is aromatic and textured, with a beeswax quality, evident in the 2016 Carlos Lucas Jardim da Estrela, a blend of Malvasia Fina and Encruzado, along with a Meyer lemon zing.  (If you like Semillon, Roussanne, and Pinot Blanc, you’ll like Malvasia Fina)

Verdelho, with its fresh fruit profile of peach, tangerine, and yellow apple, revealed its stony minerality and herbal accents (tarragon, anise, and celery root) in the 2016 Herdade do Esporão Verdelho.  The fruit is sourced from vineyards in the cork oak forests of the Alentejo, some of which are organically certified.  (If you like Verdejo, riper Sauvignon Blanc, Vernaccia, and the fortified wines of Vin Jaune and Sherry, you’ll like Verdelho)
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Red Wines:

Castelão channeled a succulent Grenache-type character, with red fruit and cedar notes, it’s low tannins made for a juicy 2015 Quinta de Chocapalha Castelão.  (If you like Grenache blends, ripe Cabernet Franc, and full Tempranillo/Garnacha blends, you’ll like Castelão)

Tinta Roriz, the #1 planted grape, flaunted its potpourri of aromas and flavors in the 2014 Quinta do Crasto Tinta Roriz.  Strawberry, plum, and mulberry fruit, herbs, fennel, leather, black pepper, licorice, tobacco, vanilla, and smoke wove a spell of savory deliciousness around this fascinating wine, which was foot trodden and fermented in granite troughs, then finished in new French oak barrels.  This fabulous wine is only made in the best vintages.  (If you like Rioja, Sangiovese, and Italian Syrah, you’ll like Tinta Roriz)

​Touriga Nacional makes Portugal’s most complex wines, with its rich dark fruit, floral notes, herbal flair, licorice and bitter chocolate character.  The 2011 Julia Kemper Touriga Nacional fulfilled this promise.  A second example, the 2014 Quinta do Passadoura Touriga Nacional, embraced the natural approach, with organic farming, indigenous yeasts, and foot trodden fermentation, a combination of new and used French oak aging finished this beauty perfectly.  (If you like Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon blends, and Shiraz, you’ll like Touriga Nacional)

Sousão
, famous for its bite and structure, has cherry and plum fruit, and herbal accents of rosemary, thyme, and anise.  The savory and delicious 2012 Casa Santos Lima Sousão was fascinating.  (If you like Barbera, Xinomavro, and Baga, you’ll like Sousão)


​Alicante Bouschet
is captivating in that it is a Teinturier grape, a dark-skinned grape with red flesh, very rare in the world of red grapes, whose pulp is usually white.  It makes an intensely colored wine, with body, grip, and tannin, represented by the intriguing 2015 Alexandre Relvas “Herdade São Miguel”.  (If you like Petite Sirah, Sangiovese Grosso, and Zinfandel, you’ll like Alicante Bouschet)
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A second seminar, “A Crème de la Crème Master Class”, focused on some of the very best wines of Portugal.  From the Douro and Bairrada regions, 11 wines were explored, so very fascinating!  These wines are crafted by iconic and generational winemakers that are changing the landscape of Portuguese wines.  Here are my five favorites:
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CARM Reserva Branco 2014 - a delicious blend of Códega do Larinho, Rabigato, and Viozinho, a three white varietal combination that is bright and refreshing, with an amazing nose of ripe stonefruit and citrus, a streak of minerality, and a long finish.  Casa Agricola Roboredo Madeira Lda is a family winery, started over 300 years ago, who pioneered organic farming in the Douro Valley, in a region that is considered the “Wild West” of Portugal.  


Muxagat Os Xistos Altos 2012 - 100% Rabigato, which translates to “tail of the cat” is elegant and complex, with persistent fruit and white floral aromas, and an intriguing mineral “salinity”.   Muxagat is a passion project of Mateus Nicolau de Almeida, whose father and grandfather are part of the iconic landscape of Douro winemaking, once owning Ramos Pinto and responsible for bringing still wines to a Port wine region.


Luis Pato Baga “Quinta do Moinho” 2000 - 100% Baga, an intense dark wine similar to Nebbiolo, with firm tannins and floral accents, this is a wine meant to be aged.  Luis Pato is responsible for modernizing the Bairrada region, while promoting Baga, the local grape varietal. 


Herdade do Mouchão Tinto 2007 - a blend of Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira, this full-bodied red is concentrated and spicy, with dark fruit, herbal accents, and hints of eucalyptus and black pepper.  Herdade do Mouchão represents quality winemaking at its best from the Alentejo region, and is renowned for their long-lived Alicante Bouschet.

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Sogevinus Fine Wines Kopke Colheita Port 1967 - this single vintage Tawny Port is stunning in its rich caramel aromas, apricot, citrus, and dried fig flavors, and nutty accents on the very long finish.  The house of Kopke dates back to 1638, making it the oldest Porto wine export firm.
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Tasting through the 20 producers at this trade tasting, the Wines of Portugal’s motto “Challenge Your Senses, Enjoy the Unique” was so fitting.  No matter what type of wine you like, Portugal is the complete picture, from sparkling wines to aged Ports, all are geared to be food-friendly and well-balanced.  Even though the red wines of Portugal are powerful, rich and concentrated, they are not alcoholic, coming in at a balanced 13.5% ABV, with great natural acidity.  And since joining the EU in 1986, Portugal has advanced their wine industry exponentially.  The wines are becoming more sophisticated, with advances in technology and an emphasis on quality.
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Momentum is gathering for the wines of Portugal, as quality rises, their value has increased, with almost half of all wines rated highly by many wine critics, and warmly embraced by many US wine lovers.  Rediscovered by wine drinkers in recent years, what once was old school is now considered the “new” hot region, with excellent wines at great prices.  Exceptional dry wines, red and white blends, in addition to sparkling and rosé, offer quality and value.  Portuguese wines spring from tradition, yet embrace modern influences, making them wine jewels waiting to be discovered.