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WINE: Herdade do Esporão Alentejo Monte Velho Branco 2009
FOOD: Crab Ravioli in Ginger Broth
Very light yellow in color, with intense fruit aromas of ripe pear and apple with gravel undertones. Lush tropical flavors of pineapple and mango, which pair nicely with the sweet crab and scallop filling in Greg's ravioli, are balanced by crisp green apple and pleasant acidity. The wine also has a nice touch of spice to complement the ginger flavors. The finish is long and round, with a noticeable creaminess, yet this is a light-bodied wine, so it does not overpower the dish's delicate broth.
Once known mostly in America for Port and Madeira, Portugal is finally receiving recognition for producing world-class red and white wines as well. For high quality red wines, look for wines from the Duoro and Dao DOCs. Made from mostly indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinto Roriz, these are wines with structure, power and intensity. Portugal's most famous white wines are from Vinho Verde. Dry, sometimes slightly fizzy with bracing acidity, Vinho Verde whites come from a variety of indigenous white grapes. For a slightIy fuller and more complex Vinho Verde, I prefer wines made from the Alvarinho grape.
Grant Henry
FOOD: Crab Ravioli in Ginger Broth
Very light yellow in color, with intense fruit aromas of ripe pear and apple with gravel undertones. Lush tropical flavors of pineapple and mango, which pair nicely with the sweet crab and scallop filling in Greg's ravioli, are balanced by crisp green apple and pleasant acidity. The wine also has a nice touch of spice to complement the ginger flavors. The finish is long and round, with a noticeable creaminess, yet this is a light-bodied wine, so it does not overpower the dish's delicate broth.
Once known mostly in America for Port and Madeira, Portugal is finally receiving recognition for producing world-class red and white wines as well. For high quality red wines, look for wines from the Duoro and Dao DOCs. Made from mostly indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinto Roriz, these are wines with structure, power and intensity. Portugal's most famous white wines are from Vinho Verde. Dry, sometimes slightly fizzy with bracing acidity, Vinho Verde whites come from a variety of indigenous white grapes. For a slightIy fuller and more complex Vinho Verde, I prefer wines made from the Alvarinho grape.
Grant Henry
PRICE: about $10.00
Also pairs well with: Asian food, calamari, clams, fish, mussels, salad, sardines, and vegetables
Category- White
Varietals- 35% Roupeiro, 35% Antao Vaz, & 30% Perrum
Region- Alentejo, Portugal
Available at: Discount Wine Buys
Comments
outstanding
What an outstanding description, I could almost taste it!
i have to admit, i don't know
i have to admit, i don't know much about wine - haven't really studied it, don't know the grape varietals BUT i have read enough to know that Portuguese wines are making their way to the top of the 'favorite' list for many. really good info Greg . . .
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