TN: 1992 Grao Vasco Garrafeira Proprietary Blend

[Andy Velebil]

I won 3 of these at auction yesterday for next to nothing in price so the risk is worth it. But has anyone ever tried this dry red or heard anything about it. They should be arriveing later in the week, or early next week.

Of course I will post a note when I try one 8)

[MPP]

I know it's been a while since you posted this, but, nevertheless, here it goes.

Grão Vasco is a brand belonging to the big SOGRAPE group (owners of famous names such as Mateus Rosé, Ferreira, Sandeman, Quinta dos Carvalhais, etc.).

Originally Grão Vasco was a brand of Dão wine only. As from last year SOGRAPE added a Grão Vasco Alentejo and a Grão Vasco Douro to the portfolio.

As you probably know, the Dão region lies right in the heart of Portugal, arounfd the town of Viseu (it takes its name from the river Dão running through the region). It was one of the very first regions to be demarcated in Portugal and indeed in the world (1908, although its wines have been valued since the middle ages). It sits on a high plateau (about 500 meters altitude on average) surrounded by some of Portugal's highest mountains (Estrela, the highest at 2000 meters, Caramulo and Buçaco). They provide shelter from the atlantic cool winds and the continental dry, hot influence. Although days in the summer are hot and dry, nights are much cooler than in Alentejo or the Douro, which allows the grapes to keep their acids. Winters can be bitterly cold.

The wines are balanced, with higher natural acidity than in the Douro, more floral notes and less alcool (13% is high alcool in the Dão). Touriga Nacional, Portugal's most famous grape (deservedly) is thought to have come from here, from a little town called Tourigo (in the Dão they actually call it Tourigo). The best wines are very elegant, aging very well, akin to good Burgundy. They can be a bit more dificult if you're used to a lot of fruit, extract and alcool.

Grão Vasco, within SOGRAPE'S portfolio, sits at the bottom of their Dão range (which would go up as follows, both for reds and whites: Grão Vasco, Duque de Viseu, Sogrape Reserva, Quinta dos Carvalhais). It's a very traditional wine, made with bought in grapes and wines from local farmers. Production is very high (over one million bottles, I reckon). It can be excellent value for money (especially the white), and save the day in a restaurant with a bad wine list (you'll find it in every single restaurant in Portugal). The Garrafeira is a step up from the normal bottling, aged in bottle before release, with good, yet very traditional flavours (probably more focused on texture and spice than fruit) I've never tried the 1992, but I would expect a decent old wine, with character and a good introduction to the region.

Best regards

Maurício Pereira-Pinto

[Roy Hersh]

Dear Maurício,

Welcome to the For The Love Of Port website and Forum. What a brilliant response to Andy's posting. Am I assuming correctly that you are involved in the wine trade? If so, it would be wonderful if you'd tell us your "connection." If not, I applaud your depth of knowledge.

Either way, I hope you will continue to post here on the Forum and share with us.

I betcha that Andy saw the word "garrafeira" and believed the bottle to be a Port such as the type produced by Niepoort in demijohn. I am glad to hear that he will enjoy the bottle he purchased afterall.

[MPP]

Dear Roy,

Thanks for you praise. Indeed I work in the wine trade, for Quinta de Ventozelo in the Douro (I think you've already been there). I am in charge of Lugar do Vinho, Ventozelo's multi purpose building in Porto, where we organize Art Exhibitions, Wine Tastings, Wine related events, and also room rental for meetings and private or corporate events. Mário has been there and he knows me.

I am glad you appreciated my response, and I hope Andy does as well. Actually I would like to hear his feed back on that particular wine. I've been following you forum and newsletter and appreciate immensely what you are doing for Port and Portuguese wines in general. You deserve recognition from everybody here. As far as my professional life allows me, I promise I will be participating in the forum more often.

Best regards

Maurício

[Andy Velebil]

Mauricio,

Thank you for taking the time to give such detailed information about the wine. It was very much appriciated. I believe I can speak for many here that we really value information from people "in-the-business", so please continue to participate often.

As for the wine itself, I don't have any written notes on it. Just going off of memory...sad to say it was already past it's prime and starting to head down hill. Although, there was still some nice pepper and leather notes on the palate, I would have guessed it to be a decent everyday dry red in it's prime. Nothing great, but even in it's decline it was still drinkable and enjoyable (heck, I've had 2 bottles of it already so it was not that bad, ha ha)

I got 3 bottles at auction for $2.00(US) each, so the price was very tempting in my quest to try new and different wines from Portugal. I took my last bottle to a friend's party last night (before I saw your reply, so you had great timing). However, that bottle was not opened. My friend called me to say he would keep it in his cellar until we have a chance to grab dinner and pop it open, as he is just getting into ports a little and jumps at the chance to try new things.

I betcha that Andy saw the word "garrafeira" and believed the bottle to be a Port such as the type produced by Niepoort in demijohn.

Roy,
You know me well...I will admit "Garrafeira" did catch my eye at first and I prayed it was a port. As I am on a quest to track down one of these infamous Niepoort bottlings. But, alas, it was not. That still didn't stop me from getting them though.