Portugal
No other country can match Portugal’s range of indigenous wine grape varieties, a rich palette for winemakers that goes back to the Bronze Age. Tartessians, Romans, and Phoenicians introduced wine grapes here, and viticulture eventually spread across Portugal’s diverse geography. Isolated from the rest of Europe, many unique wine varieties developed there as vines accustomed themselves to extremes in soil, weather and altitude.
Now, in a small country with over 250 unique, indigenous wine grape varieties to choose from, it is not surprising that Portuguese winemakers usually draw from a variety of grape sources to create balanced, flavorful blends. The result is that Portugal is blessed with a treasure chest of unique and distinctive wines.
Portuguese blends, with their distinctive combinations and unique character, reward people seeking diversity. These wines, at their best, often from small but distinct regions, combine ancient winemaking wisdom with the latest scientific and technical knowledge to put the wonder and pleasure back in wine.
Quinta de Porrais 2023 Douro Branco $14 - The wine is a blend of Rabigato and Codega de Larinho, two classic whites of the valley.
Filipa Pato 2023 DNMC Tinto $19 - 100% Baga. Red fruited, savory, lifted aromatics.
Quinta dos Currais Tinto 2020 $13 - This is 80% Touriga Nacional, 15% Aragonez and 5% Castelao. Tarry, spicy and a bit reductive on the nose. Dense palate with blackberry and black cherry fruit with firm tannins. Bold, focused and firm on the finish
Quinta de Porrais 2022 Douro Tinto $15 - Sousão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional. This wine has excellent aromatic intensity with hints of ripe red fruit and spices. In the mouth reveals excellent structure and elegance, again with notes of ripe red fruits combined with oak notes.
Gota Wines Mirra Alentejo Red 2021 $17 - Castelão (20%), Moreto (20%), Aragonez (20%), Trincadeira (20%), and others (20%) Fresh and juicy wine dominated by notes of black fruit with aromas of black olive and spices, truffle and leather with a structure of soft tannins that surround the fruit.
Bonus Pours
Filipa Pato 2024 DNMC Branco $21 - 80% Bical 20% Arinto. Fresh and textural, it offers citrus, white flowers, and saline minerality with lively acidity.
Nicolau de Almeida, 2021 Cima Corgo Tinto $23 - Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, Tinta Amarela, and Bastardo. The aromatic profile is layered with notes of wet grass and white pepper, complemented by subtle hints of red fruits and a spicy undertone. On the palate, the wine is fluid and balanced, with a refreshing acidity that harmonizes with its structured tannins.
Nicolau de Almeida, 2019 Teles Theta $35 - An old vine field blend of primarily Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Only small quantities and only in specific years that highlights the influence of the soil of the Douro Valley and, above all, of each of the decisions made by human beings with maximum involvement. is a smooth red wine with intense aromas of red fruit, floral notes and spicy hints. On the palate it is broad, juicy and fresh. A wine with refreshing acidity, ripe, fine tannins and a fresh, mineral finish.
The Flight is 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional pours available for purchase.