If you're into full-bodied, rich reds, you'll like Portugal's table wines.
Join Wine Spectator managing editor Kim Marcus as he explains why the Douro isn't just for Port any more (03m 03s)
VIDEO: url: http://link.brightcove.com/services/lin ... d301789803
Featured wines:
* CARM, Reserva Douro 2003 (red)
1,200 cases made, $19, 91 points.
* Niepoort, Redoma, Tinto 2004 (red)
1,525 cases made, $55, 93 points.
Portugal's Reds: Revolution in the Douro [Kim Marcus - WS]
Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil
-
Mario Ferreira
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 7:08 pm
- Location: Alcoba, Portugal
- Contact:
Mario,
Thanks for the link. But the revolution took place a decade ago when the pioneers were out there breaking ground in the Douro vineyards. This is more like the aftermath of the recent Tsunami. The Douro is today's media darling and all those now jumping on the bandwagon and trying to catch up ... writing their first reviews and making their first visits to the area are now looking like they are the discovery channel. In reality, there are dozens of journalists who have been covering the Douro (non-fortifieds) for more than six months.
I am still hanging onto my last 1991 Barca Velha of the two cases I originally owned. They are just finding out the Barca Velha story and don't know the real history and where the grapes USED TO come from etc. These same individuals are just tasting the 1999 release for the first time. I only use this example as you and I have been to the places where the modern rendition of Douro table wine was created 50+ years ago, not to mention the second producer to come up with one in modern times.
I welcome all of the newbie journos who are jumping on the bandwagon and am glad to see the spotlight getting brighter and warmer on the Douro of course. Although some of my own favorites are becoming next to impossible to obtain in the USA these days, higher prices and lack of availability are the few negatives with all of the attention. I am proud of the Douro producers for achieving equal footing with many of the world's great wine regions ... for the non-fortifieds. It is about time!
Thanks for the link. But the revolution took place a decade ago when the pioneers were out there breaking ground in the Douro vineyards. This is more like the aftermath of the recent Tsunami. The Douro is today's media darling and all those now jumping on the bandwagon and trying to catch up ... writing their first reviews and making their first visits to the area are now looking like they are the discovery channel. In reality, there are dozens of journalists who have been covering the Douro (non-fortifieds) for more than six months.
I am still hanging onto my last 1991 Barca Velha of the two cases I originally owned. They are just finding out the Barca Velha story and don't know the real history and where the grapes USED TO come from etc. These same individuals are just tasting the 1999 release for the first time. I only use this example as you and I have been to the places where the modern rendition of Douro table wine was created 50+ years ago, not to mention the second producer to come up with one in modern times.
I welcome all of the newbie journos who are jumping on the bandwagon and am glad to see the spotlight getting brighter and warmer on the Douro of course. Although some of my own favorites are becoming next to impossible to obtain in the USA these days, higher prices and lack of availability are the few negatives with all of the attention. I am proud of the Douro producers for achieving equal footing with many of the world's great wine regions ... for the non-fortifieds. It is about time!
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
-
Ronald Wortel
- Posts: 889
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:45 pm
- Location: New Plymouth, New Zealand