Portada (Portugal) Castelao & Tinta Roriz 2001
You have a week to try this wine with 1 off in Safeway, which makes it a proper little bargain. From Estremadura on Portugal’s coast, this dry red is vigorous, fruity and powerful, made from two of the classic grapes from the Douro region, used in both Port and table wines. The wonderful thing about Portugeuse wines is that even though Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the likes have made some in-roads, most are still firmly based on indiginous grapes. This blends the fruity, quite fleshy Castelao with Tinta Roriz, actually the same grape as Spain’s Tempranillo, the mainstay of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The nose has some spice, pepper and little briary nuances, as well as copious sweet red fruit. On the palate it is medium-bodied, but quite fleshy and rich, with loads of sweet baked plum pie fruit, and a fresh redcurrant and cranberry tang. Quite creamy, but the richness is sliced through with well-judged tannins and a lovely freshening acidity. This has really good length for the price, and a balanced, savoury finish. A very good wine at it’s normal price, but a steal if you get in quick. £4.49
