There is a lot of buzz in the world today about the wines of Portugal. Actually, there is a nice article in the new Wine Spectator about it. Because of this, I decided to post about one of the more interesting wines I have tried from Portugal.
First things first, the winery is Quinta Do Alqueve. The varietal is Fernao Pires. It is named after a Portugese Merchant with the same name. He was responisble for commercial and diplomatic relations with China in the 1500's. I am not clear on how he got a grape named after him. On a side note, the grape can also be called Maria Gomes in other Portugese regions. I am not aware of her historical significance.
Back to the wine...
The first thing you will notice is the color when you pour it. It is a deep goldenrod. It is quite a bit bolder in color than other white varietals. The second thing is the nose. It explodes with fruit and makes you want to dive in. It is reminiscent of some Marsanne's to me. The taste is wild. My wife said that it reminded her of Squirt soda. Citrus and Stone Fruit explode on the palate with every sip. It is quite nice and easy to drink. Pour someone a glass and don't tell them what it is. The reaction you'll get is almost guarenteed to be a great one!
Quinta Do Alqueve Fernao Pires in a nutshell:
Description: Huge fruit on the nose and on the palate. Large amounts of Grapefruit and Stone Fruit with hints of Lemon and Tangerine.
Pairings: This is the perfect wine for a big pan of Paella. It would also pair well with Shrimp and Veggie shish kabobs on the grill.
Vintages/Price: Current Vintage is 2010 and it is featuring a new label. I drank the 2009. The 2010 also contains a little Ariento for a touch of acidity. It should be between $10 and $15 depending on the vintage.
For more information, please visit http://www.robertkacherselections.com/portfolio_detail.php?itemno=q010608
First things first, the winery is Quinta Do Alqueve. The varietal is Fernao Pires. It is named after a Portugese Merchant with the same name. He was responisble for commercial and diplomatic relations with China in the 1500's. I am not clear on how he got a grape named after him. On a side note, the grape can also be called Maria Gomes in other Portugese regions. I am not aware of her historical significance.
Back to the wine...
The first thing you will notice is the color when you pour it. It is a deep goldenrod. It is quite a bit bolder in color than other white varietals. The second thing is the nose. It explodes with fruit and makes you want to dive in. It is reminiscent of some Marsanne's to me. The taste is wild. My wife said that it reminded her of Squirt soda. Citrus and Stone Fruit explode on the palate with every sip. It is quite nice and easy to drink. Pour someone a glass and don't tell them what it is. The reaction you'll get is almost guarenteed to be a great one!
Quinta Do Alqueve Fernao Pires in a nutshell:
Description: Huge fruit on the nose and on the palate. Large amounts of Grapefruit and Stone Fruit with hints of Lemon and Tangerine.
Pairings: This is the perfect wine for a big pan of Paella. It would also pair well with Shrimp and Veggie shish kabobs on the grill.
Vintages/Price: Current Vintage is 2010 and it is featuring a new label. I drank the 2009. The 2010 also contains a little Ariento for a touch of acidity. It should be between $10 and $15 depending on the vintage.
For more information, please visit http://www.robertkacherselections.com/portfolio_detail.php?itemno=q010608
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