Hello my dear "Winers"
We are already on Issue #4 and I would like to share with you how I pick my wine bottles.
Just like everything else, our eyes are first drawn to the bottle look and the label, at least for me.
When I walk down the wine aisle I always look for the bottle that catches my attention, that being shape, color, name, etc...
But since I don't drink with my eyes, I proceed to read the information given:
- Region;
- Grape variety;
- Alcohol Volume;
And some others might include prizes!
That being said, today I bring you a bottle that has been present on the 26th Grand International Wine Award in 2020 and brought home the Gold medal:
"Aliança - Bairrada, Reserva 2018" comes from a controlled region.
Some Portuguese wines might have a mention to "DOC" or "Denominação de Origem Controlada" that roughly translates to:
"DCO" or "Denomination of Controlled Origin"
This happens because wines that are originated in older production regions are subject of their own legislation regarding soil characteristics, bottling, vinification, and grape varieties.
Now, let's take a look at the** grapes**:
- Touriga-Nacional;
- Tinta-Roriz;
- Baga; (the most typical of the Bairrada)
Appreciation:
I found it rather elegant!
On the mouth, you could taste some fruits but nothing strong. Very light and soft, but with a lingering and dryer after taste.
On the nose, it still was very subtle, but you could feel the smell of red fruits coming through.
In the eyes, first, we have to start with that label, I'm sorry, I love black and gold labels so that's always a win, but if they go the extra mile and give it some embossing and reflection, I'm all for it!
But here what matters is wine color so, I was perplexed.
Look at that Violet hue!!
(Some may say red wine is red and always looks like Rubi or blood, but even for me (a colorblind), this did not slip through my fingers).
Overall I believe this is a great wine for special occasions.
Being that light allows you to harmonize it with other plates rather than the usual red meat and cheese.
I would probably uncork it for an "Apéritif" before moving over to something more "dense".
But to each its own!
CHEERS!