Mystery Wine

Marco D. · Post by **Marco D.** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 8:27 pm

While browsing the "odds and end" bin of a retailer recently, I came across this interesting bottle. It looked like it might be "port-like". The label "Vinho Licoroso" makes me assume this is a fortified wine... but I am not sure about (what i assume is) the region: Vale do Grou. The complete label says:

Vinho Licoroso
Dom Policarpo
Bottled and Shipped by Vinhos Lotus
De Nunes & Pereira, LDA
Vale do Grou

So... any idea what this is? It seems to be a bottle aged wine (lots of sediment on the bottom). I figure it's probably worth a gamble at $10.

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:22 pm

I think this is a fortified red from outside the demarcated area.

There is a place called Vale do Grou on the south side of the Tagus, across the river from Lisbon.

Suck it and see!

Tom

Marco D. · Post by **Marco D.** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 8:02 am

Thanks for the info Tom. I'll post some notes when I pop it open.

For a picture of the label, click HERE.

Marco D. · Post by **Marco D.** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:11 am

I finally had the opportunity to open this wine up. As I mentioned previosuly, it contained a lot of sediment. I assume this was a bottle-aged fortified wine (given the sediment), but the taste (and color) was more along the tawny specturm. Light in color with very little fruit left. Hot and spirity. Interesting notes of black licorice, but a funky chemical taste as well. Not really all that pleasant. Probably an old or abused bottle that should have been drunk a long time ago.

I guess I shouldn't have expected much for $10.