It’s not just Spain that is making some really impressive new-wave white wines. Portugal is also a happy hunting ground for fans of deliciously expressive whites. Here are a couple that have impressed of late.
Torre de Frade Viognier 2010 Alentejo, Portugal
12.5% alcohol. Paulo Laureano is the consultant winemaker here. Aromatic, varietally true nose with sweet pear and peach fruit as well as vanilla and citrus notes in the background. The palate is dense, fresh and quite striking, with pear and white peach richness offset by citrus and grapefruit pith notes, as well as a hint of oak. Real interest here. 90/100
Esporão Reserva 2009 Alentejo, Portugal
14.5% alcohol. An intense, vivid white wine with fresh lime and white peach fruit as well as subtle oak notes. There are hints of grapefruit, too. A lovely, lively wine combining richness and freshness. Deliciously multidimensional. 91/100 (£9.95 The Wine Society)
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3 Comments on Two Alentejo whites: Esporao and Torre de Frade
Also seriously recommend Quinta do Vallado Moscatel Galego 2009 75cl
Alcohols just under 15%. Whats going on?
It gets very hot down in Alentejo so tipically the wines have a lot of concentration of sugar, maybe one of the reasons…but not all of the wines have that kind of alcohol like the Torre de Frade.