The Insider - March 2024
A sniff of spring in the air, a whiff of wine in the nose hairs. March is a teaser month here in Portugal. A few days of sunshine here, a week of rain there. Whose ready for summer???!!! To help you forget that we’re still more than three months from the summer solstice, open your Glass Half Full Box and caress each bottle lovingly…before popping a cork and discovering more wonders of the Portuguese wine world.
Descriptions below, and if you run out, you can order more from The Cellar.
Don’t forget, you can look up past boxes in The Archive.
Quinta Várzea da Pedra, Sauvignon Blanc
[grape/vintage] Sauvignon Blanc / 2021
[region] Lisboa
A wild, complicated, subtle wine. Comes on all mineral and earthy and funky on the nose, a farmyard in the early morning, a turkish coffee on a winter beach, then explodes on the mouth like Saturday Night Fever, all citrus peel and fresh cut grass and white pepper and tropical fruits and…and…and…damn, just drink it already.
Our sommelier describes it thus: Pale citrus colour, with mineral & vegetal aromas, typical of the variety and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Very fresh, complex and intense in the mouth, with citrus, lychee, green banana and a hint of asparagus. Very persistent finish.
Pairs well with complicated flavor combos: a spicy beef phô, coconut shrimp moqueca, pepperoni pizza or a rhubarb and apple pie.
The Lisboa region is located just north and west of Lisbon. The region’s diverse landscape includes coastal areas, hills and valleys, which creates a variety of microclimates and soil types, producing a range of wines, including red, white, and rosé, and is known for its high-quality and innovative winemaking.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Casa Américo, Jaen
[grape/vintage] Jaen / 2019
[region] Dão
Dry stone walls encircle deep banks of raspberry and blackberry creepers. A wild plum tree and a solitary, patient donkey, stand together silhouetted against a clear sky. Like this pastoral, let this bottle sit for a few breaths, allow the Jaen to work its magic and express the truth of its 50-year old vines.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: Open ruby color. Subtle aroma with notes of red fruits such as strawberries and raspberries which take a back seat to blackberry and plum in the mouth. Rich in tannins, it has a generous, elegant dryness with good acidity and a hint of bitterness.
We suggest pairing this with an aged manchego, braised lamb shank or even a Szechuan beef stir fry. Decant for at least two hours.
The Dão region, in the center of Portugal, is known for elegant, complex and full-bodied wines, with exceptional acidity and aging potential. The region’s vineyards are planted on granite hillsides, and the soil is predominantly sandy and well-drained.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Alto do JOA, Tinto
[grape/vintage] Alvarelhão, Bastardo, Chasselas Salsa, Cornifesto, Douradinho, Esgana Cão, Folgasãl, Formosa, Gouveia, Jaen, Malvasia Preta, Mourisco Tinto, Siria, Tinta Bairrada / 2016
[region] Trás-os-Montes
Each sip of this subtle, complex red tells the story of its alchemical conjuring out of the shale rock landscape by tough winters, merciless sun, generational know-how and state-of-the-art oenology. A real gem.
Our sommelier has this to say about it: Delicate, grain-flecked ruby colours shine brightly in the glass. The nose teases and tantalizes with a blend of red berries, cherry, blackberry, gooseberry and plum, scented with mint, fennel, thyme, black pepper and cinnamon, all spilling over into the mouth for a well-balanced, long finish.
Pairs well with game or fowl, like roast pheasant, rabbit, or even venison, or a melanzane al parmigiana
Trás-os-Montes, in northeastern Portugal, is celebrated for its traditional winemaking practices and unique terroir. With a continental climate, diverse landscape, and indigenous grape varieties, the region produces full-bodied red wines and elegant white wines that reflect the distinct characteristics of the area.
Check it out in The Cellar.