By Ray Spaziani
Wine Talk
Ray Spaziani
Portuguese wines have unique flavors and aromas. They have been around for centuries and there is a wide variety of styles from dry to sweet. Climate, soil and temperature vary greatly, and this is known as terroir. This is what gives wine its uniqueness.
The Douro Valley is one the major growing regions in Portugal. The soil is very rocky, and the climate is hot and dry. This is a perfect combination for the production of big red wines with lots of tannins. The Alentejo region has very sandy soil. It has a much cooler climate, and this leads to the production of light-bodied whites with great aromas. The Minho region has granite soil and the climate is mild. There they produce crisp whites with a citrus aftertaste.
The Portuguese make wine from a variety of grapes. The most common red wine grapes include Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. These grapes produce big red wines. The white wine grapes include Fernão Pires, Albariño and Arinto. These grapes produce light-bodied whites with floral noses.
Aging has a great deal to do with the flavors associated with these wines. Oak barrels are a traditional method of aging. European oak is what is generally used, and this will add vanilla and spice flavors to the wines. Wines can be aged in stainless steel as well. This, it is said, preserves the freshness of the wine and causes it to be more fruit-front. The length of time the wine is aged is left to the discretion of the winemaker depending on what style he is attempting to achieve. Some Portuguese winemakers use both and oak to shape the flavors of the wines a little differently.
Port wine is made by adding liquor to the wine during the fermentation process. It produces a sweet wine that varies with the aging process. It originated near the city of Porto; hence the name. The major styles are vintage, tawney and aged ports, and each is a little different.
Some of my favorite Portuguese wines include Soalheiro Alvarinho 2022. This is an Albariño from Vinho Verde, Portugal. This is a light and crisp white wine that runs about $23. Casa Relvas Art. Terra Amphora Red is a great red blend from Alentejo, Portugal that costs $25.
There are a lot of great ones out there. Go find some. Try each style of port and see the one you like the best. They have been making wine there since 400 BC and they are starting to get it right.
Ray Spaziani is the chapter director of the New Haven chapter of the American Wine Society. He is on the tasting panels of Winemaker Magazine and Amate del Vino and is a certified wine educator and award-winning home winemaker. Email Ray with your wine questions or activities at realestatepro1000@gmail.com.