2007 Symington Douro Altano Tinta Roriz-Touriga Franca

On December 22, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Altano Douro Tinta Roriz – Touriga Franca by Symington from the Douro region of Portugal. This blend of 70% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and 30% Touriga Franca (Touriga Francesa) was available for under $10. Symington Family Estates produces some of the world’s top Ports, so it will be interesting to try this unfortified wine from their Altano brand. From their website it appears that this is not aged in oak.

Color

In the glass it is a deep purple.

Aroma

There is good blackberry and strawberry on the nose. In addition a bit of mint is coming through. Overall it seems like a big fruity nose with a small vegetable component.

Flavor

The attack combines strawberry and cherry. Then the sour cherries take over in the mid-palate till the finish. Mild tannins are showing on the finish with a little lingering chalk. The level of bitter sour flavor from the fruit is quite high. And I don’t think it is the tannins. It finishes dry. This is a medium bodied wine and will pair well with a lot of food. It will do better with food than alone.

Rating

Although decent, this reminds me of a lot of other Tempranillo based wines from Portugal and Spain. As such I think there are slightly better values out there. I rate it 84 points.

If you are someone who adores sour cherries then I’d love to hear your thoughts on this wine. Have you tried it?

Tagged with: • • • •
 
0 Comments
Leave A Response

2006 Quinta de Ventozelo Douro Vinzelo

On October 20, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2006 DOC Douro Red Wine Vinzelo from the Douro region of Portugal. Quinta de Ventozelo produces this wine as a blend of 30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 30% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Barroca, and 10% Touriga Nacional. These are the traditional varietals used in the making of port wine (a favorite of mine). I found this wine for under $7.

Color

The color is ruby red. Not too thin, but definitely not on the black or purple side of the red wine spectrum.

Aroma

Loads of red fruit on the nose. Strawberry, raspberry and cherries. I also detect a bit of mint. The wine is nice and open.

Flavor

Very fruity with mild tannins and some acidity on the finish. There is a little bit of the dry chalkiness in it from the tannins. The fruit again seems to be mainly red fruit, such as cherries and plums. On the finish, there are some sour cherries showing up. It is an average wine which I am more inclined to drink with food and not on its own. I’d pair it with pasta and red sauce, pizza, and mild cheese.

Rating

The Douro Vinzelo reminds me of Rioja (Tempranillo from Spain) or Chianti. I think is pretty average. It is sufficient, but not thrilling. Perhaps Quinta de Ventozelo should stick to Port. I rate this wine at 85 points.

Have you tried a good wine from Portugal?

wine.com

Tagged with: • • • • •
 
0 Comments
Leave A Response

2007 Lello Tinto

On October 10, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Lello Tinto by Borges from the Douro region of Portugal. It is a blend of the Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca varietals. Does anyone know the percentages? I found it for under $8.

Color

In the glass this wine has good color. It is a deep ruby red.

Aroma

The oak treatment is immediately present on the nose. There is also some herbal components such as oregano and thyme. Overall there is very little fruit showing other than a hint of black currant.

Flavor

On the attack, I get some nice fruit. It is a combination of red and black fruits such as cherries, blackberries and plum. The mid-palate shows a lot of sour cherries. The finish is long and has a smoky element to it along with sour cherries. There is not a hollow point in this wine as it has bold flavor throughout the profile. It also has some definite tannin structure. They are a little bitter but should mellow over time. This wine will pair well with beef and red pasta dishes.

Rating

I like this wine. It isn’t completely blowing me away with smoothness but definitely is drinkable. I rate it 88 points.

Have you had this Lello wine? What flavors and aromas did you detect?

Tagged with: • • • •
 
0 Comments
Leave A Response
Go To Top »