Wine Spectator's Top 100 for 2016
Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines list for 2016 has finally been released, and Portugal has once again made its presence known with four wines making the list. In a sea of France, Italy, and Spain, Portugal showcases its best with 90+ ratings offered at incredible values. Let’s get to know these beauties first hand:
#46 Quinta de Cabriz Dão – 2014 / 90pts / $10
Located in the Dão region, in the center of Portugal, this vineyard was the second demarcated region in Portugal in 1908. Its continental climate of very cold and rainy winters, and hot and dry summers, makes for optimal growing conditions for varietals Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz which comprise this blend.
On the nose you get fresh red fruits, jam, spices, and toasted notes as a result of spending 6 months in French oak barrels. The taste is fruity, smooth, and elegant.
Perfect for pairing with soft cheeses, delicate fish, white and red meats from Mediterranean, Chinese, Indian and African Cuisines.
More on the wine here.
#50 Real Companhia Velha Douro Evel Red – 2014 / 90pts / $13
One of the most emblematic companies in Portugal, Real Companhia Velha has over 250 years of history in the Douro Valley. Innovation, and focus on modern approaches to viticulture with the adoption of new techniques and cultural procedures has made this company a pillar in the Douro Valley for generations.
Celebrating 100 years of existence in 2013, Evel is one of the oldest and most charismatic wine brands in Portugal. Evel is an anagram of Leve, meaning light. This name is emblematic of the wine’s characteristics: smooth, elegant, and approachable.
Evel Red has aromas of red fruit, green notes, flavorful with good structure and fruity finish.
Pairs well with meats and cheeses typical in Mediterranean cuisine
More on the wine here.
#69 CARM Douro Reserva – 2012 / 91pts / $22
CARM – Casa Agrícola Roboredo Madeira is situated in the Douro Superior, the Eastern most portion of the Douro Valley, bordering Spain. This is an incredibly rugged area that began producing wines within the last 50 or so years. The Roboredo Madeira family has been cultivating olive oil and almonds in these lands for far longer, going back to the 17th century.
The CARM Reserva Tinto (Red) uses three varietals; the firm tannins of Tinta Roriz, notes of rose and soft tannins from Touriga Franca, and aromas of wild black fruit and floral notes of Touriga Nacional.
In the nose, very fresh and intense with notes of black fruit and black cherries balancing the complex and enticing aromas of wood. In the mouth is very concentrated, with firm tannins and smooth texture, very intense and persistent showing a perfect example of the strength and balance of wines from the Douro Superior.
Pairs well with meats, cheeses, and typical Mediterranean cuisine.
More on the wine here.
#80 Quinta Vale D. Maria Douro – 2013 / 93pts /$68
Quinta Vale D. Maria was once an aging estate in the heart of the Douro Valley. Then, in 1996, by the recovering the old vines and rebuilding every single building on the property, the estate was reinvigorated and brought back to life. It is now one of the most widely known and acclaimed wine producers in the Douro region.
The Quinta Vale D. Maria Douro Red is a fine example of the “field blends” Portugal is known for. These blends are categorized by the diverse number of varietal plantings within a single plot. The wine you’ll find in this bottle comes from one of the oldest plots on the estate, with some vines averaging 60 years of age, and comprising more than 40 different grape varietals typical of the Douro region; Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, among others.
This red is a very elegant and fresh wine, with a violet, dark read and purple color. A good concentration of mature dark red fruit aromas, black cherries and plums, and gentle aromatic fruity flavors. Great balance and acidity, intense and velvety, with finesse and elegance.
Excellent with roasted red meats and hearty cheeses.
More on the wine here.
Wine Spectator's Top Portuguese Wines - 2016