Portugal in the Spotlight and Rioja's New Wave
Today's newsletter gives Portugal a long-overdue stint in the spotlight. With some of the greatest stylistic and varietal diversity in the world, it's a wine explorer's paradise. But to most American consumers, deciphering the mysteries behind the esoteric grape varietals and regional names can be outright daunting. So, I'm making it my mission to give you a primer on the country's most important regions, as well as its most exotic, in the hopes that you'll dive in with confidence and enthusiasm as you discover the thrilling bounty of the Portuguese wine scene. For all our Spanish aficionados, I'm also providing a fresh look at some of the most intriguing producers redefining the landscape of the country's most important region, Rioja.
Iberian curious? Join us to taste a fantastic lineup of these wines this Saturday in all four stores. Also this weekend: on Friday, we’re featuring a French and California showdown in honor of the anniversary of the Judgement of Paris. And stay tuned for next week, when we’ll be pouring a tour of Italy’s Piedmont region on Friday and a celebration of Champagne on Saturday. Visit our local events page for more info and to purchase tickets in advance.
Portuguese Wine 101: Alentejo
Covering a third of Portugal, the colossal Alentejo wine region to the east and south of Lisbon is best known for its cork trees; half of the world's cork is produced here. Bearing fewer regulatory restrictions, much like California, Alentejo has been crafting wines for millennia, despite its relatively recent commercial prominence. The distinct soils, coupled with a Mediterranean climate moderated by nearby mountains, rivers, lakes, and the Atlantic, cultivate an assortment of wines universally hailed for their surprising freshness. This attribute, converging with the sun-soaked fruitiness and cooler climate vibrancy, paints a complex yet appealing flavor palette. A number of fantastic wineries invite exploration of this unique region. Read more.
2019 Herdade do Esporão "Esporão" Reserva Tinto Alentejo Portugal 93 $21.99 View
2021 Bojador "Vinoho de Talha" Branco Alentejo $19.99 View
2017 Niepoort "Sempar" Tinto Alentejo $19.99 View
Portuguese Wine 101: Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, renowned for producing Port wine from over 80 grape varieties, stands as one of the world's most picturesque wine regions. Its terraced landscapes—carved by the Douro River and its tributaries into granite and schist—are enchantingly beautiful, an imagery words can hardly capture. While Port's popularity has declined over the years, the region's potential for producing quality dry red wines is being increasingly recognized. Flexibly adapting to climate change, the Douro maintains its unique identity. Akin to Bordeaux in structure yet exuberant like Priorat, Douro reds—primarily blended from Touriga Naçional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao, and Tinta Barroca—are vibrant, fresh, and mineral-rich, making them a delightful complement to any dining table. Read more.
2018 Niepoort "Redoma" Tinto Douro Portugal 93 $39.99 View
2020 Conceito Tinto Douro 94 $44.99 View
Volcanic Wines from the Islands
A former colleague's saying, "wine can be a vacation in a bottle," perfectly encapsulates my love for wine exploration. As the Iberian Wine Buyer for K&L, I journey through Spain and Portugal's dramatic growing regions, including Atlantic islands like the Canaries and Azores. The wines here, particularly the exceptional volcanic wines of Pico and Lanzarote, are creating a buzz in the wine industry. Their distinct profiles paint vivid imagery of the breathtaking landscapes from whence they come. In every glass, I experience a captivating trip, and I hope these wines will similarly transport you to these stunning locations. Read more.
2021 Viñátigo Listán Negro Tenerife Canary Islands $25.99 View
2022 Bodegas Arautava Listan Negro Tenerife $24.99 View
2023 Los Bermejos Diego Seco Lanzarote Canary Islands $34.99 View
2023 Los Bermejos Rosado Lanzarote $29.99 View
2019 Los Bermejos Brut Nature $34.99 View
2019 Los Bermejos Rosado Brut Nature $34.99 View
2020 Ilha do Pico "Terras de Lava" Azores $19.99 View
2020 Ilha do Pico "Terroir Vulcanico" Verdelho Pico Azores $44.99 View
Meet the Winemakers of the New Rioja
In a region as staunchly traditional as Rioja, you might be surprised at the number of producers pushing the envelope and ushering in an era of "New Rioja." Diego Magana, a second-generation vintner, captures the essence of "New Rioja" with unique wines, distinct with tension and energy, and reminiscent of their terroir's molded characteristics. Oscar Alegre and Eva Valgañón, of Alegre Valgañón, are looking to centuries past for winemaking inspiration while also experimenting with aging methods uncommon to Rioja. Finally, Villota also maintains a captivating balance between the old and the new. Originating from a longstanding partnership that began the famed Contino estate, their wines echo the terroir familiar to traditional Rioja lovers, yet their practices have transitioned towards sustainable innovation. Read more.
2021Anza Rioja 94 $31.99 View
2021 Anza "CDVIN" Rioja 95 $54.99 View
2021 Alegre Valgañon Rioja 93 $21.99 View
2020 Villota "Selvanevada" Rioja $17.99 View
2020 Villota Rioja 93 $29.99 View