wine tasting - Passion of Portugal

The label of this wine is a bit plain and the name is cute but somewhat cheesy/cliche' for a wine. These are all adjectives that luckily do not apply to the wine itself.  The wine is a bit like passion: dark colorful purples, seductive softness and warmth.

WINE: 2008 Passion of Portugal, Vinho regional Lisboa, Casa Santos Lima.

Price: $13.10 - $13.99 at local BC stores

Grape varieties: Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barocca, Pinot Noir



Color: dark, intense, very lively to be a 2008 bottle

Nose: generous, spiced vinous berries, hint of barrel ageing

Mouth: well-balanced, luscious, fruity trending to spicy.

About the grapes: Portuguese red wine is usually a great deal because for the price it offers honest wines with rich flavors that always please. This wine is a blend of three outstanding varieties. The Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo in Spain) is a noble grape that produces full-bodied, intense wines that can show aromatic, herbal fruit and silky texture. Tinta Barocca is an old Portuguese variety also used for making Porto. It is thin-skinned, dark and colorful, plummy, with sweetness, berry fruit aromas and good ageing potential like Tinta Roriz. Pinot Noir (probably the smaller percentage used in this blend) is an elegant, smooth floral/fruity grape not usually associated with Portugal. "Passion of Portugal" combines these varieties wonderfully creating a wine that has the color and sweetness of Tinta Barocca, the intense herbal fruit of Tinta Roriz and the balance of Pinot Noir. If sometimes Portuguese wines at this price point can be a bit 'winy" and angular, this one is silky and rich.

Soil and region: the vineyards are in Alenquer, not far from Lisboa and the ocean.  The vines are grown on clay and limestone rolling hills. Until 2009 the Lisboa region used to be called Estremadura. The Alenquer area is a bit warmer and less wet and can produce very good wines.

We really liked Passion of Portugal for its welcoming warmth and lusciousness and would suggest pairing it with roasted eggplant, grilled lamb or as a party ice breaker with nibbles.

Ageing potential: the wine has the grape variety pedigree, color and intensity to be aged for a couple more years but don't overdo it.

Notes: according to the producer the wine won various awards (for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 vintages.)