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Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Wine Wednesday: Perfect Portuguese Red
Posted By Ted Scheffler on May 11, 2016, 8:00 AM
When I see a wine that's been given a 94 point rating in Wine Spectator and 93 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, I assume it's well out of my price range.
But, that's not the case with 2012 Quinta do Crasto "Old Vines" Reserva Douro from Portugal. It's not exactly cheap, but $40 for a wine of this quality is nearly unheard of. It's powerful, yet refined, and has great depth but is elegant.
A field blend of between 20 and 30 different varietals, this Douro is brimming with ripe plum and floral aromas and sweet blueberry flavors. The tannins are quite light and there's a strong backbone of acidity here. It's remarkably elegant, even at such a young age.
I enjoyed the wine along with a couple of interesting dishes at Log Haven restaurant recently: braised rabbit with garganelli and blackened bison teres major steak. It was excellent with both.
I'd suggest decanting the wine for an hour or so prior to serving, as this rich, lush Douro gets better and better as the evening goes on.
If forty dollars will bust your wine budget, try the winery's entry-level 2012 Quinta do Crasto Douro ($15). It won't blow you away like the Reserva, but it's still a good bang for the buck.
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