Recommendations for a complete Douro table wine newbie...

[Todd O.]

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I searched through the forum and could not find a similar topic.

I am a complete newbie to Douro table wines, and can honestly say that I don't think I have EVER tried one before. I have become pretty well-versed in various types of ports over the past year or two (thanks in large part to ), but Douro table wines are completely foreign to me. Obviously, there is a great wealth of information in this forum and in Roy's tasting notes, but I'm finding it difficult to choose a few wines to sample. Also, many of the ones receiving the best reviews are on the expensive side -- or at least what I would consider to be on the expensive side. While I have no problem paying upwards of $100-$150 for a nice bottle of port, I am reluctant to spend a lot on table wines at this point when I don't even know if I will like the style....

Sooooo, I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a few wines that would be good for me to start with (i.e., wines that are fairly representative of Douro table wines in general -- if there is such a thing)? I'm hoping for some that would be pretty readily available on wine-searcher.com, that would cost under say $40 per bottle and that are ready to drink now.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Andy Velebil]

Todd,
What area do you live in and I can check to see what stores around you may have in stock that fit your criteria. That may make it easier than trying to source and the additional costs of shipping.

[Todd O.]

That would be great Andy. I work in Stamford, CT and live in Monroe, CT, so pretty much anyplace in Fairfield County (Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Westport, Danbury, Fairfield, Monroe, Bridgeport, Trumbull, New Canaan, Newtown, Darien, etc.) would be convenient. Don't drive yourself nuts though -- if there's a place I can order from online that has a good selection of Douro wines so that I can order at least 4 or 6 bottles, shipping wouldn't be prohibitive.

Thanks for your help!

[Andy Velebil]

Hmm, a little tuff to find stuff in your area, but here was one I did find...no idea if it's still in stock, but I was using WIne Searcher.com You'll probably have to ship from other stores.
2001 Niepoort Batuta (more old world style) International Wine Shop Westport $70


I'd also recommend the Niepoort Vertente for a lower priced bottle. Always pretty good year in and year out. As are any of the Niepoort dry wines. Also any of the Quinta do Crasto dry wines, even the inexpensive ones are still good. Quinta do Vale d. Maria wines are also very good, but can be hard to find. Casa Ferreirinha wines are also good even at the mid range level. Pintas wines are generally stellar. Quinta do portal are more on the basic side, but can be found rather inexpensively.

The ones listed are generally good even in poorer years so worth the punt as long as pricing isn't over the top. Lets me if you find any or if you need more help.

[Eric Ifune]

Is Pintas being imported?

[Pedro Guimaraes]

Pintas for 40$??????? Please do get some for me too :) :) :)

You can also try Qta. de Roriz Reserva 2004....pretty good wine and inside the 40$ range for sure...

[Moses Botbol]

Is Pintas being imported?

I see it for around $40 near me too. So, it's worth picking up some?

[Roy Hersh]

One specific bottling that I always recommend to folks in emails is the Ferreirinha Callabriga. It is the Douro equivalent of Ridge Geyserville in terms of consistency, finely priced and easy enough to find.