For a printable PDF of this weekend’s notes, click here!
Lagar de Darei Dão Branco 2020
Origin: Dao, Portugal
Retail: $14.95 | Sale: $13.46
Lagar Darei is a hidden gem along the banks of the Dão River in Mangualde, Viseu. The winery was started by José Machado Ruivo, who decided to plant some vines and start making wines in 1997. His memories of sharing special moments with his grandfather, a winemaker in the Vinho Verde region, made him take the leap into the wine world despite the immense work that lay ahead. Now, after 25 years of taking care of the land, the 120 hectare property is a little slice of paradise. Their seven hectares of vines are dispersed throughout the property with the very first plot of vines planted along the river. Others are planted along the westerly slopes benefitting from sunlight during the day. Organically fed cows, sheep and goats roam and graze along the green pastures, while the beautiful orchards add the finishing touch to an idyllic landscape. “A lovely harmony between the land, rocky and rough to handle, the power of the Serra de Estrela mountains, but also the subtle beauty of the morning fog rolling into the valleys, the sublime orange sunsets, and the smell of pine and eucalyptus trees of the Dao.”
45% Encruzado 30% Malvasia Fina 15% Bical, 10% Cerceal85% Furmint, 7% Hárslevelű, 5% Yellow Muscat and 3% Kabar.
Quinta Picouto de Cima Espadeiro 2021
Origin: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Retail: $12.95 | Sale: $11.65
In 1997, Albertino Rodrigues Ferriera acquired Quinta Picouto de Cima located in the parish of Gominhães in Guimarães, a World Heritage site and an area known for producing vinho verde, or “green wine.” His vineyard is located on a granite hillside with unique soil characteristics and privileged sun exposure. After investing in the process of rebuilding and preparing the land, the first harvest gave rise to red and rosé wines. Ferriera partnered with winemaker Pedro Campos to produce excellent wines that reflect the terroir and typical features of vinho verde. Today, Quinta Picouto de Cima has a total of 15 hectares, 7 of which are dedicated to wine production. “This is a dry rose with a bit of effervescence typical of the style. Bright floral aromas lead into fresh flavors of cherry, strawberry, and ripe melon.”
100% Espadeiro
Xisto Ilimitado Douro Tinto 2020
Origin: Douro, Portugal
Retail: $29.95 | Sale: $26.95
For nearly two decades, Luis Seabra has been at the center of a cultural shift in Portuguese winemaking, leading a movement of young, independent winemakers making history by reclaiming historical vineyards, grape varieties, and techniques. His fundamental understanding of soil coupled with his philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery have launched him into the international eye as a leader of the New Portugal. Xisto Ilimitado is a Portuguese analogue to the idea of a “village” level Burgundy. A field blend of 7 varieties planted across 3 subzones in the Douro, Ilimitado is a survey of the schist-driven terroir in the appellation. “ High toned red and blue fruit aromas, tinged with wet stone and violets. On the palate, lush, but with bright acidity to balance the red cherry and pomegranate fruit. White pepper, slate and herbal aromas overlay the core of fruit on a juicy, fresh finish.”
30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Amarela, 20% Tinta Roriz, 10% Rufete, 10% Tinta Barroca, 5% Malvasia Petra, 5% Donzelinho Tinto