Northern Portugal
JULY 2023
Tied culturally and linguistically to Galicia (the region of Spain to the north of Portugal), the two countries are working together to get the united area (called a Euroregion) recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Northern Portugal has temperate, lush flatlands along the coast north of Porto in the region known as Vinho Verde (producing mainly white wines). The terrain becomes mountainous as you head inland towards the steep vineyards along the Douro River (land of port wine) with hot, dry summers and cold winters. You won't be surprised to hear they've been producing wine in Northern Portugal since Roman times.
The regions of Vinho Verde and Douro are quite different. Your club has excellent examples from both. Enjoy!
Photos top: Aveleda vineyards in Vinho Verde & Barão de Vilar vineyards in the Douro Valley
Quinta da Aveleda
Founded 150 years ago by Manoel Pedro Guedes, today the winery is run by his great-great-grandsons: Martim & António Guedes (pictured). Their goal is simple - continue the good work of traditional winemaking that shows of the different terroirs of their region. Their specialty is Alvarinho, the "queen of the Portuguese white varieties".
Aveleda 2021 Alvarinho
Vinho Verde, Portugal // Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
100% Alvarinho (= Albariño grown in DO Rías Baixas just over the border in Galicia, Spain). White peach, white flowers, citrus with hints of pineapple. Great structure. Dry, crisp finish. Winery says to enjoy with vegetables au gratin, oysters, asparagus with butter sauce, and oily fish like tuna or salmon. Drink now to 2 years.
Barão de Vilar
The van Zeller family (originally from the Flemish cities of Mechelen and Nijmegen) migrated to Portugal in the 1600's. Their connection to the wine business dates back to this time. For 14 generations, they have been involved in the port and Douro wine trade. Barão de Vilar is their most recent company, established in January 1996 to trade port. In 2007, Barão de Vilar expanded its range of products to include the production of other Douro wines and wines from Vinho Verde.
Barão de Vilar 2019 Red Reserva
Douro Valley, Portugal // Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
Beautiful nose. Deep, rich, dark fruit. A little herbal. Purple plums, blackberries, blueberries. Some special spicy notes. This wine could easily cost $30! Enjoyed with spring pasta with shrimp, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, fresh farmers market garlic, crushed fennel seeds and pepper kernels. Delicious. Drink now to 2 years.
Hope you enjoy these selections from Northern Portugal. We think they’re terrific!
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop & J. Strecker Selections