Portuguese whites vs white Burgundy...
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2016 12:48 am
I was turned on to the quality of Portuguese whites at a distributor tasting two years ago where Herdade do Esporao wines were being poured. The distributor was pushing the Esporao reserva branco 2011, but they also had back vintages to taste along side the 2011. I think they might have been pouring the '07 and '09 in addition to the 2011. I was tasting with Roy and when we were both tasting the '07 Roy asked me what type of wine I would guess to be in my glass if I didn't already know it was a Portuguese white. I said "white burgundy." Roy agreed and asked me what I would guess this "white burgundy" would retail at. I put the wine in the 30-40 dollar range. The 2011 that was currently being offered was nowhere near as harmonious and balanced as the 2007. In fact, the 2011 was predominantly oaky, and acidic. However, I bought 2 cases because I figured that if it got anywhere close to the 2007 with 4 years in my cellar, than I would have a killer white on my hands for less than $6.99/bottle distributor closeout price (~$9.99 retail closeout price). I have retasted the 2011 and it has continued to improve steadily with each passing year.
This year, I have tasted the 2012 vintage of Esporao reserva branco and also the 2014 Vale D. Maria three valleys white. Both wines are equally excellent and appear to offer a price conscious alternative to those seeking an alternative to entry and medium tier white burgundy. Are Portuguese whites truly a value conscious alternative to burg? Last week, I tasted 4 bottles of white burg that ranged from 2005-2008 in vintage and ranged from $17-$38 in price. I was blown away by how well these white burgundies had held up and aged, even at this lower end of the price spectrum.
This burgundy tasting got me wondering whether or not the Portuguese whites can compete with the burgundy consumer when not being offered at sale/closeout prices. I have no doubt that the 2011 Esporao reserva branco at $9 retail close out price is yards ahead of anything that I can get from burgundy at this price. But, the 2012 Esporao reserva branco currently retails on wine searcher for anywhere between $15.99 and 22.99. The 2014 Vale D. Maria 3 valleys white should retail for anywhere between $20 and $27 based on what my distributor charges. While my tasting experience has demonstrated that these wines are worth those retail prices, and still offer a reasonable value over white burg, do you guys think that the typical oenophile will be willing to pay north of $20 for a Portuguese white when they can get a well made white Burgundy for just a few dollars more?
I realize Portuguese whites are NOT white Burgundies, but I'd love to hear any comments from people who have had experience with both Portuguese and French white wines.
This year, I have tasted the 2012 vintage of Esporao reserva branco and also the 2014 Vale D. Maria three valleys white. Both wines are equally excellent and appear to offer a price conscious alternative to those seeking an alternative to entry and medium tier white burgundy. Are Portuguese whites truly a value conscious alternative to burg? Last week, I tasted 4 bottles of white burg that ranged from 2005-2008 in vintage and ranged from $17-$38 in price. I was blown away by how well these white burgundies had held up and aged, even at this lower end of the price spectrum.
This burgundy tasting got me wondering whether or not the Portuguese whites can compete with the burgundy consumer when not being offered at sale/closeout prices. I have no doubt that the 2011 Esporao reserva branco at $9 retail close out price is yards ahead of anything that I can get from burgundy at this price. But, the 2012 Esporao reserva branco currently retails on wine searcher for anywhere between $15.99 and 22.99. The 2014 Vale D. Maria 3 valleys white should retail for anywhere between $20 and $27 based on what my distributor charges. While my tasting experience has demonstrated that these wines are worth those retail prices, and still offer a reasonable value over white burg, do you guys think that the typical oenophile will be willing to pay north of $20 for a Portuguese white when they can get a well made white Burgundy for just a few dollars more?
I realize Portuguese whites are NOT white Burgundies, but I'd love to hear any comments from people who have had experience with both Portuguese and French white wines.