Tasted: Finding Value in Spain & Portugal
Many of us head straight to the “usual” old world favourites when in search of value, eat-with-your-take-out kind of wine. Although it feels comfortable to browse the safe aisles of France or Italy, it may surprise you what you could find if you headed towards Spain and Portugal. Here are a few examples of excellent value wine, perfect for a Wednesday night pizza or Tuesday night take-out.
J.P. Vinhos Tinto da Anfora 2008
Reviewed by: Tony Aspler
Editor Rating: Very Good
$12
Alentejo, Portugal
Review Summary:
Great value here. A blend of Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Alfrocheiro and Cabernet Sauvignon vinified in huge clay amphorae. Deep purple colour and a sweet nose of violets and mulberries. Medium bodied, elegant and perfumed with flavours of blackcurrant and spice.
Puertas Novas 2007
Reviewed by: Ron Liteplo
Editor Rating: Very Good
$13
Toro, Spain
Review Summary:
Deep garnet, almost black. Nose has heavy oak overlaid on plums, black cherry, sultana raisins, smoke and caramel. Full-bodied and balanced on the palate, the black theme persists with more black cherries, black liquorice and espresso. Long finish. At its peak now; will last another couple of years. The complexity and fruitiness work well with the exotic flavours of Chinese BBQ duck and ribs.
Bodegas Concavins Montblanc 362 Viura/Chardonnay 2011
Reviewed by: Ron Liteplo
Editor Rating: Very Good
$11
DO Conca de Barberà, Spain
Review Summary:
Easy drinking on a summer afternoon, the Viura adds interest to a hot-climate Chardonnay. Medium-deep yellow. Nose of tropical fruits and melons. Medium-bodied; soft on the palate with flavours of rhubarb, peach and apricot.
Aliança Dão DOC Reserva 2007
Reviewed by: Sean Wood
Editor Rating: Very Good
$12
Portugal
Review Summary:
On the nose, plum, black cherry with a touch of bell pepper, clove and dried herb. Black cherry is more dominant in the mouth, with dark chocolate smoothness, balanced acidity and tannic grip. With its satisfyingly dry finish, this is a wine to pair with red meats, mixed grills in the Portuguese style and hard, ripened cheeses.