I'll start this post out by saying I know nothing about Touriga Nacional, a native grape of Portugal. What I do understand is that this grape is used for blends and primarily for port wine and that it is a very small grape with a very low yield, thus making for an expensive wine. Surprise, Surprise!! Not expensive at all, at least when I found this 2009 Aveleda Follies Touriga Nacional / Cabernet Sauvignon for only ($10). What I also found was a big bold blend of 70% Touriga Nacional and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals almost all Cabernet's I've tasted.
Amazing dark purple color with aromas of toasted coconut, smoked baked ham and some black raspberry with an added hint of vanilla were just too inviting. In the mouth the wine was very dry with taste of blackberry, currants and tobacco and the finish was dry and long with just hints of dark ripe berries. Awesome!I drank this while munching on pretzels and later with President's Rondele cheese spread, which was passable, but this is a big bold red that begs for grilled beef burgers or a grilled T-bone and at a $10 price tag, a real bargain. Very highly recommended.
2 comments:
I like the meat selection for this wine. With reds, you have to be careful or you'll get a "light" one that doesn't complement beef.
Joseph, Touriga is an interesting variety when used to make dry reds rather than Port, which we all expect when we think of Portuguese varieties.
It is becoming popular as a dry red variety in Australia with about 30 wineries using it wiyh more to come I expect.
Post a Comment