Quinta do Carneiro Vinho Tinto 2008

Quinta do Carneiro
Vinho Tinto 2008
Alenquer DOC, Portugal
www.quintadocarneiro.com

$18-23 available at select private liquor stores

Imagine, if you will, being a table wine in Portugal. For centuries you’ve been overlooked in the wine world, largely shadowed by your illustrious country cousin, Port. Quite often dry table wines share the same grapes as fortified Port, grow in the same general region, and with some producers – are afforded as much TLC. Now finally in the past few years the edge of spotlight reaches down on you too! People are taking notice about the old vines, the diverse local castas (grapes), and most strikingly – the great value. Portuguese table wines – this is your time to shine!

Ok – so perhaps I’m reaching a bit. But certainly from a global perspective, Portugal is a hotbed of great value dry wine finds. A leap forward with modernization, travelling winemakers, and the value of labour and goods helps. This little red is a great example. Alenquer DOC is on the west coast of Portugal, in a sun trap and Atlantic-wine protected valley in the district of Lisboa.

A blend of Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon, this deep red has forward aromas of plush black fruits, herbal mulberry, earth and wet leather. A juicy and mouth filling palate of soft blackberry, wild blueberry, baked plum and peppery spice finishes smooth – with subtle but present tannins. There’s a noticeable density here, well balanced by a bright juicy acidity. Grilled ribs, Moroccan lamb kabobs, cracked pepper pork sausages would all suit.

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Quinta do Carneiro Vinho Tinto 2008

A blend of Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon, this deep red has forward aromas of plush black fruits, herbal mulberry, earth and wet leather. A juicy and mouth filling palate of soft blackberry, wild blueberry, baked plum and peppery spice finishes smooth – with subtle but present tannins. There’s a noticeable density here, well balanced by a bright juicy acidity. Grilled ribs, Moroccan lamb kabobs, cracked pepper pork sausages would all suit.