Portugal’s Douro wine region has ceased to be only a good source for Port. There are now plenty of good table wines coming from that region too and this rosé has been bottled under the Douro DOC classification. The douROSA is a deep pink blended from the same grape varieties that create fine Port, the fragrant Touriga Nacional, plusTouriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz.
The grapes have been grown on the hill behind the Quinta, on the steep, steep banks of the Douro River. These particular grapes made this douRosa on the way to making the Quinta’s own Port in the saignee method. To do this, the traditional lagares were filled as usual but before they were trodden for port, the free run juice is run off and fermented in stainless steel tanks. In this instance, the method produces a dry rose with a deeper pink colour.
The perfumed strawberry aroma is ripe and redolent of summer and complimented with cream, spice and lavender. The medium body belies the colour and that lavender keeps the mouthful refreshing and lasts in the mouth. A great rosé to drink with tapas or a chicken and tomato based pasta. Well worth seeking out for a taste of Portugal without leaving home.
Quickie review « A dry bold coloured pink. Perfumed strawberry, scented with spice and French lavender is evocative of summer.»
Country of Origin: Portugal Date: April, 2015 Price: £13/USD15 Drink: now – 2 years Needs food: no Source: cellar door
Note: Saignee means bleeding. The juice has been blend from the grapes (French).
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