NOT YOUR GRANDADDY'S PORT

A few weeks ago I attended a seminar and tasting sponspored by Wines of Portugal. Their tag line, "Discover the Diversity" and that was exactly my goal; to discover new wines from this
old-new world wine region. Luckly for me I had four hours on a Thursday afternoon to go on a Iberian Wine tour of over 29 diffent regions. Portugal is home to over 200 indigenous grape varieties not including the other traditional varietals brought over from France. The diversity of the terrian allows for all of them to grow successfully. As I moved from table to table (21 in all) I was really drawn to the Ports. Ports are "old school". A drink you expect a few distinguished gentelmen sippin after a good steak dinner smokin a very expensive cigar. I always found Ports to be too sweet, but it seemed that all the tables that were doing pourings had a small gathering.

To be called a Port (also called Porto, Oporto or Vinho do Porto), wines must be from the Duoro Valley. The process of making this fortified wine and mixing it Brandy. Trading Port began in the mid-17th century from the Duoro Region to the Netherlands and Britian. Ports come in four varietals White, Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Ports. The most popular are probably Tawny and Vintage Ports.

Up first, was the Porto Pocas 20 year old. This Tawny was very elegant, delicate and smooth. The aromas of driend fruits would be a perfect pair with a hard cheese, chocolate, and toasted almond platter for an after dinner snack. I was really surprised that I really like this Port and it made me curious of what was at the next table. Next to try, Adriano Ramos Pinto 10 Year Old Tawny NV. The vineyards of Adriano Ramos Pinto are the "jewel of Duoro". This single vineyard Port tasted like carmel velvet. I did not want to put the glass down until my guide suggested I try the older brother, 20 year old. What a great suggestion. I think I known found my new gift to give to friends for dinner parties.

I did not want to spoil my new found likeness of Port so I decided to stop at the three. But I did reach my goal I did find a new wine that I can't wait to share with my friends.

Happy Sippin

WINE IS GOING GREEN

Organic Wine is defined by the National Organic Program (part of USDA) as "a wine made from organically grown grapes without any added sulfites". The common goal in producing Organic Wine is to create a stable agriculture system by minizing the damage done to the ecosystem. But does a "healthier wine" taste good and is it healthy on your wallet? Here is a list of the best Organic, Biodynamic, Eco-Friendly wines for under $20.

Bonterra Vineyards is one of the largest producers of "certified organic & biodynamic" wines. Their McNab Lines of Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon, & Old Vone Petite Sirah have been awarded 85 points or above by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Muscat 2006 90 Points
This dessert wine is a perfect balance of sweet flavours including pineapple, peach,
honeysuckle, vanilla, and spice.

Merlot 2006 91 Points
"Vibrant" chocolate, coconut macarrons, and berry crust aromas fill this soft
"dry-yet-fruity" dark garnet colour wine. The great balance allows this merlot to pair
with about anything.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 88 Points
ROSÉ 2007 86 Points
SYRAH 2005 88 Points
ZINFANDEL 2006 87 Points

Guy Bossard Vineyards located in the Muscadet Region of France has been producing Organic Wines since 1975. Each grape is hand picked and shire horses are using to plogh the plots on the 50 acres.

2006 Muscadet Sur Lie
Citrus fruits and apples and the undertones for this nice light wine which pairs well with
seafood especially crab meat.

Other notable vineyards that following the trend of eco-friendly wines are:
Benziger Winery
Frogs Leap
Grgich Hills
Frey Vineyards

Happy Sippin'