Paradise Pantry's European Vacation 2020

Portugal

Whether you’re talking about wine or international soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, maintains a level of individuality and national pride unique even in continental Europe. Thanks in part to its relative seclusion— surrounded on one side by and on the other by the Atlantic Ocean—Portugal has bypassed the grape- sharing mentality of much of the rest of Europe, instead opting to cultivate her indigenous varietals and has succeeded in developing a palette of wines as unique as the . Although Portugal has been widely praised for it’s excellent port wines for centuries, the relatively small coastal nation has come into it’s own as a truly great wine producer. Virtually all of Portugal produces wine in some capacity. In the following pages, we’ll take a look three regions producing some of the most interesting wines that Europe has to offer. The Minho River Valley

he Minho River one of Portugal’s great white demarcates the exports. northernmostT border between Portugal and The real highlight, of Minho, Spain, and accounts for though, is the fruity and an eighth of the nation’s vibrant Alvarinho (Albariño wine harvest. Of the in Spanish). The considerably many varietals produced drier and warmer subregion(s) in this region, none is that produce the most more synonymous with renowned Alvarinho, Monção Minho than Vinho Verde. and Melgaço, lie just across the river from the Spanish As the Minho Valley is equivalent highlight region also the nation’s wettest Rías Baixas— both of which region, growers here have produce superior offerings one continually sought to of the Iberian peninsula’s finest counter the vine’s natural whites. tendency to sprout leaves rather than ripen the fruit, The region’s devotion to history occasionally rendering and artisinal production is vintages that are under- reflected in the pastoral and ripe and low alcohol with stately landscape, pocked little discernible character. with medieval fortresses For this reason, Vinho Verde and cathedrals. Family- is often blended with a owned farms and vinyards variety of other lesser-known predominate and artisanal local grapes including Azal, tile-work (see the label of this Loureiro Avesso and Arinto. week’s offering from Nortico) Vinho Verde, blended or is a hallmark of the region’s unblended is still considered homes and storefronts. The River Valley

nland and slightly south of the Minho lies the Douro valley, from rolling of the hillside (see below). This method has not also known as the home of or Port wine. Now widely only increased agriculture for wine, but also for olives, oranges heraldedI as one of the finest fortified wine offerings in the world, and chestnut trees. Douro had previously been known for mass-producing cheap and syrupy sweet port for export (mainly to France). The hot, Although the area is ubiquitous with Port, the vast majority of steep and unforgiving landscape along the banks of the Douro vineyards also produce table wines like the Xisto Ilimitado Tinto (especially the upper Douro) has never been an obvious place for on the following page, often in blends of a handful of hearty wine production, but partly due to an investment by the World varietals that thrive in the gravelly, schist-dominant soils. The Bank, production of quality wine in the region has increased “new” Douro continues to develop this trend, introducing new significantly in recent years. wines each year that display the versatility of this unique region, proving that it can do a lot more than simply Port. The Douro is notable for its stair-step vineyards, painstakingly built into the walls of the valley to prevent moisture

European Vacation: Portugal

Featured Wines

NORTICO VERA XISTO ILIMITADO TINTO NOBLE & MURAT Alvarinho Vinho Verde Rosè Red Blend Late Bottle Vintage (LBV) Porto Vinho Regional Minho Vinho Verde Douro Douro 2019 2019 2018 2012

Nortico Alvarinho is a superb example Vera Rose is 100% estate fruit, estate A field blend of 6 varieties planted One of the newest established port of this grape’s hallmark traits: fresh bottled, low RS and a very light carbon- across 3 subzones in the Douro, houses with the oldest growing history. citrus, peach and tropical aromas ation, allowing for a medium body, more Illimitado is a survey of the schist-driven Utilizing the wisdom of traditional paired with clean, juicy fruit and vibrant balanced wine. 100% estate-grown Vera terroir in the appellation, and likewise, it techniques, this LBV has the tannin minerality. This humble yet serious Rosé is one of the original, distinct Rosé offers an introduction to the dominant structure of a vintage port. There is not wine showcases the best of northern offerings from the Vinho Verde region soil type in the valley. another LBV on the market that comes Portugal’s commitment to artisan and from Portugal. With its bright garnet hue, high-toned close to the quality of Noble & Murat LBV. production in all things. red and blue fruit aromas, tinged with Intense blackberry and raspberry flavors Expect floral notes with crisp, fresh Hailing from the best Alvarinho- wet stone and violets, this fresh, mineral and lively acidity in this LBV allows it to strawberry and watermelon on the growing area in Portugal. Nortico has driven red that showcases the purity of pair with savory foods like duck confit, palette. Tastes like a summer Friday no added CO2, making for a richer, fuller, fruit achievable in this region. On the roasted pork loin with fig compote or afternoon. well-balanced wine that showcases its palate, lush, but with bright acidity to turkey with cranberry, aged cheeses maritime influence with a kiss of salinity Vera’s texture, bright acidity and balance the red cherry and pomegranate (especially blue cheese) and charcuterie. on the finish. Albarino/Alvarinho is the medium body make it a versatile pairing. fruit. Pair with roast game or poultry, or Wait for the lingering finish laced with grape to watch for ageworthy, world- Lovely with fried fish, lighter cured ratatouille. chocolate and blueberries. class wines, and this is a perfect meats, shellfish and bivalves. introduction. Price: $100 for the four pack $150 with the added bonus wine European Vacation: Portugal

Featured Cheeses

SERRA DA ESTREZA SAO JORGE O VELHA AMANTEIGADO Cow’s Milk Raw Sheep’s Milk Raw Sheep’s Milk From the island of Sao Jorge Made in the mountainous Thistle rennet imparts a slight in the Azores, this cheese region of Serra da Estreza, sour tang. Pudding-like, overall has been traditionally made a centuries-old community in texture and mouth feel, this for centuries and was initially created by shepards. Hand- cheese is delicate with floral handed down from noblemen. made with traditional artisanal end notes— a real spoon-in- It offers a firm texture, a strong, techniques. Soft and spreadable hand cheese. with intense flavor. clean bouquet and a pleasant, slightly spicy flavor.

Includes: Two cans of Port Sardines $40

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