Wine Consultant Marc Soucy Writes about Wine here at www ...

Sometime in the mid 1990s, I began exploring Portuguese wines. At first, I was slightly put off by their unique flavors, and the "stoney" or "baked" qualities of the reds I had tried. I found that matching them to heartier Portuguese dishes worked very well, but on their own? Not so much. I discovered Vinho Verde, that youthful, semi-sparkling white wine that so many wine lovers associate with warm weather aperitifs and shell fish.

Many years have gone by since then, and global competition in wine has grown enormously. Along with it, Portuguese wine makers have upped their game, and made many changes to their wines. Large investments in money and consulting were made by the European Union--always eager to promote a good thing--but it was the earnest efforts and hard work of Portuguese owners, vineyard keepers, and wine makers that have accomplished what we see today: A friendlier, more accessible, and more fruit forward style of Portuguese wines; wines that are better suited to global--and American--tastes.

If you search for grape names on the labels--much like most European wines--you'll find it hard to get that help, and if you do, you may not recognize any of the grapes. Among the many centuries of wine development in Portugal, many decades were spent somewhat cut off from the rest of Europe, and their multitude of indigenous grapes have flourished, winding up in a vast array of blends from their different regions. More familiar grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah have only recently been planted and incorporated into some blends.  It can be slightly intimidating at first. It's worth the effort, though!

So instead, look for the regional "style" of the wine. The grapes can come later if you're interested.

Here's a very quick reference to get you started:

Porto  --  Their most famous wine historically, this is the rich, sweet wine used for desserts and as an after dinner drink.

Douro -- Made in the same region as Port, but dry in style. This is currently considered Portugal's elite red.  A tidbit: The grape variety Tourega Nacional has lately been praised as Portugal's "noble grape" for red wines and blends. You should start by knowing this grape name. I predict it will appear more and more on labels as time goes on.

Vinho Verde -- A refreshing greenish white wine, made near the ocean, and reflecting a seafaring influence in its flavors. There is wide variety even within this style of wine, and they deserve exploring. Try them with seafood salad, picnic fare, and as an aperitif (before dinner drink).

Alentejano -- A more inland wine region, this area features red and white blends

Lisboa -- Named similarly to the nation's capital, this newly designated wine region hugs the Atlantic Ocean, and produces a wide variety of dry wines.

I highly recommend you dive in and try these wines. They are amazingly affordable, high quality, crafted wines, with a unique character you can't get anywhere else. And remember, the old traditional style of Portuguese wine making still exists, and it can be a lot of fun comparing and contrasting old and new. Be sure to find out a little about Portuguese food too, whether you eat out or find a recipe and make it at home. These savory, spicey, and earthy flavors are a wonderful experience, and not to be missed.

Enjoy!  Remember:  It's EASY.

Marc Soucy

www.marcwine.com