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Portuguese Tasting
Grace Campbell Wines
Monday 13 February at United Arts Club
Kevin O’Hara founded Grace Campbell Wines in 2003 and is the biggest importer of exclusively Portuguese wines, with a portfolio of over 80 wines, including Port and dessert styles. Grace Campbell wines are available in independent wine shops, including Redmond’s; Donnybrook Fair; Fallon & Byrne; The Corkscrew; O’Brien’s; Sweeney’s Glasnevin, McCabe’s and O’Donovan’s, Cork as well as top restaurants such as Patrick Guilbaud, The Cellar Restaurant Merrion Hotel, L’Ecrivan, Thornton’s and Neven Maguire’s MacNean House, Cavan.
Wines tasted
Prova Régia 2010 Arinto Vinho Regional Lisboa 12.5%
A fresh and juicy, dry white with stone fruit and citrus flavours, finishing with a tangy, minerally edge. The cool nights in these coastal Lisbon vineyards help retain a wonderful crispness in this 100% Arinto wine. A good alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
Quinta da Lixa Alvarinho 2010, Minho 12.5%
Fragrant ripe citrus and floral notes, balanced by lemony acidity with a long mouth watering aftertaste. The perfect match for shellfish.
Pegos Claros 2008, Palmela DOC 14%
Produced from the Castelao grape (Periquita), this elegant red is full of ripe, dark, cherry fruits and has a smooth, textured structure. The grapes are foot trodden in lagares and the wine is aged for 8 months in French oak casks and two years in bottle before release. This wine and the Prova Régia above are the top selling red and white Portuguese wines in Ireland.
Quinta do Mondego 2007, Dao DOC 13.5%
A blend of Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional that gives a deep colour, an intense dark berry and plum fruit flavour with underlying spice. Elegant and smooth. Will improve for at least another three years.
Monte da Peceguina 2010, Alentejo DOC 14%
Luis Duarte, one of Portugal’s best winemakers, produces this red for the Soares family. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it has raspberry hints on the nose and a well balanced palate of generous fruit, freshness and tannins. Will keep for another ten years. The quirky labels are designed each year by the Soares children!
Meandro 2009, Douro DOC 14%
Five Port grapes make up the blend in this still youthful, robust red. Full of dark plum, blackberry, coffee and vanilla flavours, with firmly structured tannins. Dense and complex, it will improve with age although is drinking well now. Opens up well in glass, so it is worth decanting for a few hours.
Tasting Notes: Catherine Griffith