Portugal was the only stop on this wine tour
T here’s more to Portugal than just Port. And Port was not on this list. I stopped by Friday to sample these wines of Portugal. If you are in to dry red wines these were for you. Most are produced using stainless steel so you are getting the truest expression of these grape, many that are indigenous to Portugal.
To see the difference the were actually tasting 2 different Caramba Douro wines. One was naked, one was not. The acidic notes of the stainless steel aged wines were mellowed out by the oak. Even with the mellowing by the oak it was still a wine heavy with tannins.
The Casal Garcia Rosé was my favorite. I’ve found myself staying away from real acidic wines but this one I like. Crisp mouthfeel, it starts off with a hint of strawberry leave my mouth very happy. The strawberry isn’t as prominent after the first sip.
The Seafood Paella they featured was fantastic with and without the wines. This dish made it worth dropping by for sure.
I also spent some time wandering around checking out their Emoji Sale. I wanted to see if I could help them clear 2 shelves with these 20% off discounts.
Next up for the Vineyard is a special Husic Vineyards tasting Wednesday night, July 26. 6-7:30. This $25 tasting features some wine ranging up to $110. You get to meet the wine makers and taste some of their top wines.
The crowd was growing by the minute at the Friday tasting.
Where: Vineyard Wine Market (map), 4414 Evans to Lock Road, Evans, GA. (706) 922-9463
When: Friday, July 21, 2017, 5-7 PM and Saturday, July 22, 2017, 5-7 PM.
Cost: $10 for the flight & food pairings
Here are the wines to be presented (click to see more):
- Aveleda Vinho Verde 2016
- Quinta da Aveleda 2016
- Casal Garcia Rosé
- Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional & Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
- Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional 2012
- Caramba Douro 2015
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Aveleda Vinho Verde 2016 | Portugal
Aveleda Vinho Verde is a perfect reflection of the character of the Vinho Verde wine region: citrus colour, young and balanced, with a smooth and delicate bouquet, revealing hints of fresh fruit. In the mouth, fresh and vibrant. Grape varieties: Loureiro, Trajadura, Arinto.
Serving Suggestion: This wine should be cooled to a temperature between 6 to 8º C (42º – 46º F). Ready to drink. Pairing: Ideal Ideal as an appetizer,with pineapple and prawns on toast or seafood dishes with lemon sauce. Website
Cost: $10.99
Quinta da Aveleda 2016 | Portugal
This wine is produced exclusively from grapes grown in the estate that gives the wine its name. This is a blend of the viticultural qualities of the property with Aveleda’s well-established know-how in producing fine white wines of renowned quality. The floral aromas of the Loureiro grape variety merge perfectly with the tropical flavours of the Alvarinho variety, resulting in a rather complex and elegant wine.
Grape Varieties: Loureiro, Alvarinho. Serving Suggestion: This wine should be cooled to a temperature between 6 to 8º C (42º – 46º F). Ready to drink. Pairing: Quinta da Aveleda is the ideal choice for fine seafood salads, goat cheese starters and white meat dishes, such as turkey or chicken. Website
Cost: $10.99
Casal Garcia Rosé | Portugal
Website
Casal Garcia Rosé is a Vinho Verde produced with indigenous red grape varieties from the Vinhos Verdes Region.
Cost: $10.99
Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional & Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 | Portugal
This wine is firmly tannic, while promising fine fruitiness as it develops. The acidity and black fruits are about to break through the imposing tannic edifice. Website
Cost: $14.99
Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional 2012 | Portugal
The Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional presents a deep ruby color, revealing an intense aroma complemented by scents of berry, oak and vanilla. Very fresh on the mouth, this wine is seamlessly balanced by firm, supple tannins resulting in an elegant whole. This is an excellent combination of grape varieties resulting in a very personalized and appealing wine. Website
Cost: $15.99
Charamba Douro 2015 | Portugal
With an attractive ruby color, Charamba Tinto presents a very fruity nose, with notes of blackberries, raspberries and spices. In the mouth, this wine stands out with its elegance and smoothness, with persisting fruity notes at the end.
Cost: $12.99
