Portugal's Douro Valley Wines

When people think of Portugal and wine, they think port. But, the primary port-producing region, Douro, is now bursting onto the winemaking scene with a wide range of exciting new reds. It's also on the leading edge of wine tourism with boutique hotels and tasting rooms popping up along the Douro River.

According to Food & Wine's Ray Isle, Douro's wine renaissance is due to a variety of factors - an influx of investment and talent pouring into the region, a 250 year winemaking history (Douro is the oldest officially demarcated wine region in the world), and the recent switch in Portuguese wine laws which until the mid-1980s forbade bottling in the Douro region (read more from Ray Isle on Douro wines). These factors are contributing to the production of a slue of new medium and full-bodied, well-structured red wines, especially in the under $20 range, which are calling attention to the region.

Two standout wines representative of the trend include Lavradores de Feitoria's Vinho Tinto (2005) and DOMINI's Douro DOC (2003). Both are blends made from the dominant varietals used for port production - Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz.

Lavradores de Feitoria was founded in 1999 by 15 Douro-based winemakers who moved recently from selling their grapes to other producers outside the region, but are now focused on wines that capture the characteristics that make Douro wines so compelling. Their 2005 Vinho Tinto ($15) is a great example, medium-bodied with deep ruby red color, moderate tannins and big cherry fruit, making a fantastic partner for roast pork and chicken.

Also founded in 1999, DOMINI is a joint venture between Domingos Soares Franco of Jose Maria da Fonseca and Cristiano van Zeller, a leading port producer. DOMINI's 2003 Douro DOC ($18) is intense, full-bodied with strong blackberry, plum and vanilla set off by soft and velvety tannins, pairing up great with grilled meats.

In this price range, Douro wines deliver big value with quality characteristics that make the recent attention to the region well-deserved.

Comments

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