Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 “AURATUS” is an unoaked blend of Alvarinho (60%) and Trajadura (40%). It is often the best value point in the lineup, a high quality blend. It is not going to have the depth or power of the bigger boys, but in its own way and in its own right it is quite lovely. The bright feel gives it a sunny demeanor and makes it a crisp and refreshing warm weather wine, while its elegant mid-palate still has enough body to make it substantial and interesting—that is, this is not stereotypical Vinho Verde (and actually, it comes with the regional Minho designation). As time goes on and the Superior holds better, these two bottlings will certainly separate, but right at the moment, it is often more a matter of “different” than “better” and how and where you want to use them. It is easy to overlook this pure and lovely wine. Focus on the beautiful finish, with its fine, viscous texture. Then, think about how that finish lingers, the grip and intensity of flavor. Watch it evolve beautifully as it warms. No doubt it will hold better than I think, but I always caution conservatism on wines like this. There were 7,000 cases produced. Drink now-2016.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
Best known for intense, impressive and age-worthy fortified wines, Portugal relies almost exclusively on its many indigenous grape varieties. Bordering Spain to its north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean on its west and south coasts, this is a land where tradition reigns supreme, due to its relative geographical and, for much of the 20th century, political isolation. A long and narrow but small country, Portugal claims considerable diversity in climate and wine styles, with milder weather in the north and significantly more rainfall near the coast.
While Port (named after its city of Oporto on the Atlantic Coast at the end of the Douro Valley), made Portugal famous, Portugal is also an excellent source of dry red and white Portuguese wines of various styles.
The Douro Valley produces full-bodied and concentrated dry red Portuguese wines made from the same set of grape varieties used for Port, which include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Spain’s Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão, among a long list of others in minor proportions.
Other dry Portuguese wines include the tart, slightly effervescent Vinho Verde white wine, made in the north, and the bright, elegant reds and whites of the Dão as well as the bold, and fruit-driven reds and whites of the southern, Alentejo.
The nation’s other important fortified wine, Madeira, is produced on the eponymous island off the North African coast.