QUINTO DO VALLADO DOURO RED 2006

Thursday, another wine that Shannon and I tasted with Jen Thieman (our RNDC/Cumberland rep) was the Quinta do Vallado Douro Red 2006, a medium-bodied, fresh-fruit blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca and Sousao.

One of the difficult things about Portuguese reds are that most are expensive. There are very few out there under $20. Fortunately, this is one that will come in around $11.

Herbaceous and floral in the nose, you are met on the palate with loads of ripe red berry fruit flavors, coupled with hints of spice box, white pepper, violets, and fresh herbs. There is just a hint of oak present (85% the wine sees 14 months in stainless steel tanks and 15% sees 14 months in French oak) so there is just the added vanillin nuance from the wood. A really nice surprise in this day and age of rising prices, this red is definitely worth a try. Look for it this summer.