At our June wine tasting meeting, we continued our International journey through wine regions in sunny Portugal. There were no disappointments in our selections. Many members had visited Portugal in the past and shared their memories of wine tours and tastings in various regions. Portugal is not known for its white wine but surprisingly, the group managed to select refreshing light white wines which were enjoyed by their tasters. The Portuguese world-famous ports were enjoyed, as always, and the selected red wines were rich and robust. Our selections ranged from $8.80 to $14.95 and it was generally agreed that there is great value in Portuguese wines. We hope that you enjoy our selections this month.
As a matter of interest to our readers, we thought that you may wish to visit some websites of some sommeliers and wine critics to read more about wines and what is up and coming in the wine world.
Natalie McLean – Natalie McLean Natalie is a Canadian wine critic who also offers a free wine pairing seminar which is available on her website.
Carolyn Evans Hammond – Carolyn Evans Hammond Carolyn is a London-trained sommelier who is also a contributing columnist to the Toronto Star.
James Suckling – James Suckling James Suckling is an Australia wine critic. He is very knowledgeable and writes about world-wide vintners and wineries, selecting the best wines to be found throughout the world.
Angela Aiello – Angela Aiello videos Angela Aiello is known as the “Super Wine Girl”. This website will take you to some videos of wine tastings hosted by her.
CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECTIONADA – 2017
Reviewed by Linda Hasler – June 2021
Price: $14.95
Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Extra dry
This red wine blend from the Dao wine region in the north central part of Portugal is a great value. Rich and robust with dark cherry, red berry, earthy, meaty, savoury spice and smoky vanilla flavours. The wine shows light body, and well-balanced acidity and tannins. It was rated 89/100 by Natalie McLean. Enjoy with barbeque fare. Since 1989, Quinta de Cabriz has played an increasing role in creating the identity of Dao wines and is the leading brand from Dao. It is also the world’s best seller from that region.
I usually enjoy white wine but decided to try a red wine since Portugal is noted for its red wines. While travelling in Portugal, I found that red wine was on the table at every meal, with the exception of breakfast, of course. I found this particular wine in the vintages section of the LCBO and I was very pleased. It is very robust and tasty with a very pleasant lingering after taste. I recommend it.
GAZELA – 2020
Reviewed by Jennifer Roberts – June 2021
Price: $9.80
I chose Gazela wine, a Vinho Verde, which is a young white wine. The alcohol content is 9%, the cost was $8.80, regularly $9.80. It is light and easy to drink. It would be great on a hot day sitting and enjoying the warmth.
On the bottle it says “Gazela is a light, fresh, young and floral wine. Serve chilled at 6-8 degrees Celsius.”
LCBO says that it is a “Pale yellow straw colour; floral aromas with nuts, fresh herbs and green pear notes, dry medium bodied with delicate fresh fruit flavours; bright and refreshing with a spritz finish.”
I enjoyed this fresh wine and found the price to be very reasonable.
AVELEDA 2020, ESTABLISHED 1870
Reviewed by Mary Mulligan – June 2021
Price: $11.30
Alcohol: 9.5%
Sweetness: Dry
This light and crisp Vinho Verde wine is made in Vinho Verde, Portugal by Sociedade Agricola E. Comercial. It has been identified as among top 4% of all wines in the world (2020 Vintage).
Aveleda has been a family-owned business since the 1870s, and Vinho Verde is their key focus. This one is pale lemon coloured with fresh lifted aromas of fresh bread, citrus, herbs, and green plum and apple. Slightly off dry (somewhere between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Reisling), it has a mouthwatering acidity and a slight effervescent finish. It is harmonious on the palate with balanced acidity and bright flavours that culminate in a zesty, slightly spritzy finish.
Vinho Verde is a widely consumed white wine from Northern Portugal. The wine tends to be made from local grapes such as Alvarinho (Albarino), Loureiro, Arinto, and Azal.
A Vinho Verde region was established in 1908, though the area didn’t receive its Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC) until 1984. The wine is thought to have originated in the Minho province in the far north of Portugal.
The carbonation in the bottle occurs from a process called malolactic fermentation. While this is typically considered to be a defect in the wine, the Vinho Verde producers found that consumers rather liked it.
Because of the wine’s bracing acidity and oceanic minerality, it should be considered to be the ultimate partner to raw shellfish. Our wine experts think this Portuguese Vinho Verde white wine would be a match made in heaven with these dishes: shellfish, chili lime salmon, salmon fajitas, and blackened cod. It would also pair well with Vegetarian foods, appetizers and snacks. Bon appétit!
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 