The Wines of Portugal - Free Tasting

Wines from Portugal - A Free Tastings 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 2009

2007 Borges. Douro Blanco. Lello.-An excellent value white wine from the Douro region in Portugal. Clean lemon colour, intense aromas of fruit, with mineral notes and striking complexity for the price. Very fresh palate along with a well-balanced acidity and a fruity finish. Think of it as Portugal's Pinot Grigio.

2007 Quinta Alorna. Ribatejo. Arintho.-100% Arintho from Southern Portugal! This is a fantastic white quaffer with a lot to offer. Initial citrus fruit flavors are complemented by a distinct creamy finish with just a hint of residual sugar. Think lemon maringue. A must have for anyone eating turkey next Thursday.

2006 Quinta de Encontro. Barraida. Baga/Merlot.-Baga is a varietal known for its bold rich color and powerful tannic structure, giving it great longevity and intensity. Merlot rounds out the Quinta de Encontro, making it an intense, full-bodied but well-balanced, smooth red. While delicious on its own this wine will prove extremely versatile at the tale, complementing anything from poultry to gamey red meats.

2006 Quinta dos Aciprestes. Duoro. -A central VA favorite finally makes it's way to Winchester! Produced from old vines with Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca grape varieties, it shows a beautiful ruby color with intense aromas of plum and cherry. This wine causes a real explosion of ripe fruit flavors in the palate: blackberry, strawberry, and black currant. Delicious!

2006 Dona Maria. Alentejo. Tempranillo/Castelao/Alicante/Syrah- Intense aromas of bramble and violets are complemented by dark, jammy fruit flavors of blackberry, cherry, and blueberry. Tremendous complexity, depth, and body make this a must have for everybody, everywhere.

Fall into Value - Chilean Wines for the Holiday's

For our First Friday Wine Tasting we'll be exploring the Chilean Central and Colchagua Valleys. Chile offers expection wines at outstanding values. Here's what's on the tasting bar Friday 6 - 8:30pm

2009 San Elias, Sauvignon Blanc, Chile Central Valley -$9
The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Pale in color with a goosberry bouquet, apple and citrus fruits aromas, and fresh zesty flavor. Excellent aperitif or with salads, fish and poultry. Buy San Elias Sauvignon Blanc

2008 San Elias, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile Central Valley -$9
The grapes for this fruity Cabernet Sauvignon are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Smooth and fruity on the palate, the wine goes well with pasta, salads. Fresh and delicate cassis tones, a great structure. Draw the cork half an hour before serving and serve at room temperature. Buy San Elias Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Crucero, Chardonnay,Chile Colchagua Valley -$10
Attractive yellow color with some green tones. Its intense varietal character evokes ripe citrus fruits, with floral and honeyed tones along with well integrated wood.In the mouth it is rich, round and fruity with some creamy notes. Buy Crucero Chardonnay

2008 Crucero, Shiraz, Chile Colchagua Valley -$10
Blue/purple color. Intense bouquet with scents of cassis and a touch of spice. Explosive fruits on the palate, with good structure, definition and balance. Clean, round and flavorful wine, very appealing. Buy Crucero Shiraz

These wines are imported direct to Winchester by Importer Kysela Pere et Fils