| DRINKS >
The Bacchus Report: More than Port in
Portugal
Written by: Libor Ševčík
Original varietals, unusual aromas,
surprising flavors - these mark the wines of Portugal, which are
now available in this country.
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There's no doubt that port equals Portugal. But until recently
that was all anyone besides experts knew about wine production in
that country. There is evidence that fortified grape wines have
been produced there since 600 BC, when the Phoenicians introduced
it. A mass influx of tourists, EU accession, and substantially enhanced
wine production in the last decades of the 20th century are the
three main reasons that Portuguese wines have begun to succeed on
foreign markets.
They are an acquired taste, because they are very different from
what the ordinary consumer is used to. This is not due to the different
climate, the different soil composition, or different technological
processing. Their special nature lies in the originality of the
grape varietals used in making Portuguese wines. Most of them don't
grow anywhere else. However, their names already promise pleasant
surprises. Dona Branca, Maria Gomez, Manteúdo, Fonte Cal, Rabo da
Ovelha, Roupeiro, Perrum, Rabigato, Samarrinho, Viosinho, and Gouveio
are but a few of the white varietals. The best known of the blue
varietals are Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Barroca,
from which port is made. Naturally there are also high quality red
wines, such as those made from the Baga, Bastardo, Tinta Carvalha,
Tricadeira Preta, Cormifesto, Negera Mole, and many others.
Portugal is divided into 55 wine producing areas. The highest quality
wines bear origin markings - DOC. Nineteen areas have been awarded
this designation, and Porto and Madeira are of course the best known
of these. The designation can also be used on the finest wines from
the following areas, which are also known in this country: Douro,
Dao, Setúbal, Bairrada, Alentejo, and Vinho Verde, from the province
of Minho. Discovering Portugal through its wines is filled with
surprises and interesting flavor experiences.
The author is the editor of Hospodářské noviny's IN magazine.
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Upcoming tastings
Vinařské Litoměřice - Dům kultury, Na Valech 2028, Litoměřice
April 25-26 there will be an exhibition of wines for sale and a
presentation of vinotheques from around Bohemia and Moravia. To
add some spark, there will also be wines from Argentina and France
as well as a seminar on "Wine and health". The grand opening
will take place on April 24 at 4 pm.
WINE GUIDE
Gatao Verde
A typical "green" wine (Vinho Verde) from northern
Portugal, a varietal that is found nowhere else. Clear,
greenish-hued, light and fresh with subtle citrus tones
for the nose and palate. Lightly carbonated.
Price: 139,90 Kč
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Quinta da Avaleda
2000
Another example of a refreshing "green" wine.
An ideal libation for late, sunny afternoons on a terrace, or
as an accompaniment to fish, seafood, pasta, and vegetable salads.
Price: 200 Kč |
Monte Velho Branco 2001
A pleasant blend of three typical Portugal varietals - Rabo
da Ovelha, Roupeiro, and Perrum. Full, harmonious flavor
with tropical fruit notes; good with fish and grilled chicken.
Price: 199 Kč
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Monte Velho Tinto
2001
From the same region as the preceding white wine, Alentejo,
and again a blend of typical Portuguese varietals - Trincadeira,
Piriquita, and Moreto. It is harmonious, spicy, and full on
the palate, and it has a lovely ruby color. It goes well with
baked and grilled meats.
Price: 199 Kč |
These wines are imported by Banimpex, and are sold
in Delvita stores.
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