Welcome To Judging Portuguese Wines

Video 1 - Portugal Wine History 

Portugal obvious for its most famous dessert wine called Port from the Douro Region is often overshadowed by neighboring France when it comes to Dry wines.  Dry wines mean wines without sugar. 

It’s estimated that wine-making dates to at least 2000 BC when vines were mostly planted in the south part of Portugal.  Later, the Greeks and Romans when occupying parts of Portugal started planting vines further north in Portugal. 

Portuguese White Wine Blend - Wine Overview

The first wine will be our Drinjk EEZY White Blend.  It is made up of 3 varietals.  Blends are very common in Portugal.  You often will not get many single varietal wines. 

The first grape in the blend is called Fernao Pires which comprises 45% of the wine.  This is a Portugal varietal and is known to be grown in hotter climates because it's prone to frost.  The varietal is medium-bodied and known for its exotic aromas.....

Portuguese White Wine Blend - Judging Tips & Hints 

In my opinion, white wines are much harder to judge than red wines because they typically are a bit more subtle. 

This wine in particular is going to be a bit more challenging because it’s a blend and because it’s a blend of varietals we are not used to comparing to like a chardonnay for example.

What to expect from this wine....

Portuguese Barrel Blend - Wine Overview

Our Portuguese Barrel Blend is made up of two varietals 1) 60% Arrogonez which is the same varietal as Tempranillo and 40% Syrah.  

Arrogonez or aka tempranillo is a very popular varietal and one of my personal favorite varietals in the world.  If you have never had tempranillo before you may find similarities to Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.....

Portuguese Barrel Wine Blend - Judging Tips & Hints

Our PortugAgain, really putting your palates to a test with an interesting blend. 

You should see a more purple color wine because of the Syrah.  Next, let's smell it.  What do you smell?  Can you pick up any of the oak? 

The flavors should be cherry, plum, maybe some tomato.  There should be a nice balance of flavors. 

Arrogonez is known for being higher in tannin which means you should get a bit of dryness in your mouth.....

Portuguese Castelo - Wine Overview

Pronounced Cast-tall-ow, this variety comes from the South of Lisbon in the area called Setubal Peninsula.  This is the best region in the country for growing this varietal.  This is among one of the most widely planted varieties in Portugal. 

The grape skin is very dark, like a Syrah so it makes a bit deeper colored red wine.....

Portuguese Castelo Wine - Judging Notes 

To see an overview of how our founder and Chief Wine Hunter rated the Castelo red wine from Portugal, please watch the entire video. 

Portuguese Red Wine Blend - Wine Overview 

This blend is 50% Arrognez which was the same grape as our first red wine.  35% Trincedera which is a very famous grape in Portugal and is almost always used in the famous port wine.  15% Alfrocheiro which I have to admit I am not too familiar with but that is what I love about wine, getting to push my boundaries and try new things.......

Portuguese Red Wine Blend - Judging Notes 

To see an overview of how our founder and Chief Wine Hunter rated the red wine blend from Portugal, please watch the entire video.