Quinta do Vallado cracks TOP 10!

I hate to say I told you so,  but well folks... I wish I had taken my own advice and stocked up on the Quinta do Vallado 2008 Touriga Nacional when I had the chance.  #7 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of the Year, this bottling is sold out in our market and in Portugal.

Here's the Wine Spectator presentation by Kim Marcus: 

http://www.winespectator.com/display/show?id=videos-2011&bcpid=663897729001

Here's what we had to say back in April.

http://thenativegrape.blogspot.com/2011/04/vini-portugal-2011-part-1.html

Congratulations to Quinta do Vallado on this remarkable set of wines!  And here's to Portugal for cracking the Top 10 two years in a row!

Greek wine piece by Susannah Gold

http://boutariwines.com/2010/05/07/wine-expert-susannah-gold-on-greek-wine/

Italian Wine Blogger and Sommelier Susannah Gold presents a nice (and surprisingly inclusive) overview of Greek Wines-their rich history and promising future.

Her Blog, http://avvinare.com/,  is a wonderful resource, with a weekly "Italian Indigenous Variety" post as well as coverage of Italian Wine Laws. ( And get a snapshot of all of the wonderful tastings in Susannah's hometown of NYC.)  Some people have all the fun!

Portuguese Tasting today @ Cheesetique

This Saturday October 29 1-4 @ Cheesetique in Alexandria

Join us for a quick tour of the many regions and styles of quality, affordable wines being produced in Portugal today.  From a crisp aromatic white from the coast to a rich and luscioius red from the rugged Douro Valley-we're pouring some terrific wines today.

And if you needed another reason to come out, Cheesetique just unveiled their new dining room and full menu this week...

Hope to see you there!

http://cheesetique.com/

Great tasting opportunity in Baltimore

 Those in the Baltimore area...our friends at North Charles Wine and Spirits are hosting a wonderful tasting of Spanish and Portuguese wines tonight.  Check it out!

	Wine Tasting. Friday, 10/28/11, 4-7pm  Portuguese and Spanish wines with guest host Ms. Maria Stevens: Brand Ambassador for Jose Maria da Fonseca and Bodegas Faustino.  Join us this Friday evening as we welcome Ms. Maria Stevens to our store. Ms. Stevens grew up in a Portuguese family and neighborhood.  Her expertise on the subject of Portugal, Spain and their wines is impressive.  Not only is she knowledgeable, but also very passionate about her wines.  About the wineries: Jose Maria da Fonseca: Established in 1834, family-owned J.M. Fonseca is one of Portugal's most prestigious and most historic wine producers.  The Soares family, owners of Jose Maria da Fonseca, has been involved in the wine business for 175 years.  Their portfolio includes brands from various wine regions of Portugal.  They have property in the Terros do Sado region, the Douro Valley, and Vinho Verde.  Truly, to sample their wines is to experience Portuguese wine in microcosm.  Bodegas Faustino: Faustino is one of Spain's oldest Rioja producers.  Today, Faustino is Spain's largest producer of Reserva and Gran Reserva Rioja wines. In the late 1950s, Faustino Martinez, launched the Faustino label. Source of over 25% of all Reserva and Gran Reserva Riojas sold abroad; Faustino is a proud custodian of the Rioja's reputation for world-class wines.  The featured wines: Serra da Estrela Albarino – Albarino sourced from vineyards are situated in the "Condado do Tea” subzone, on the northern slopes of the river Miño in Rias Biaxas.  Jose Maria da Fonseca Domini – A blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz from the Duoro Valley in Portugal. Jose Maria da Fonseca Domingos – Touriga Nacional and Syrah from Terras do Sado, Portugal Jose Maria da Fonseca Periquita Reserva - 50% Castelao; 30% Touriga Nacional; 20% Touriga Franca sourced from Terras do Sado, Portugal.  Aged 8 months in oak. Faustino VII Rioja 2009 – A blend of 50% Tempranillo and 50% Garnacha aged for 10 months in oak before bottling.  Faustino V Rioja Reserva – 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo aged for one year in oak casks and two years in bottle prior to release.
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Another nod for Nebout Saint Pourcain

http://www.winespectator.com/wwdn/show/id/45419

Two favorites recommended

http://www.algarveresident.com/0-43153/algarve/spanish-treats

"Earth Wind and Fire, Sea and Fine Wine"

Great discovery for Greek Wine lovers-New wines of Greece is a treasure trove of information and insightful tasting/pairing/travel tips...check it out!

Here's a great description of the wines of Santorini and some of the wonderful things you can and should enjoy with it, especially in the peak of summer...providing the view of the Caldera is the tricky part.

http://www.newwinesofgreece.com/en/assyrtiko_santorinis_3/index.html