Since Eric Asimov recommended a few big and fruity Portuguese wines made from Port grapes I’ve kept an eye open for interesting looking examples.
We had a Quinta dos Carvalhais Colheita 2002 Dao from Majestic. It was made from Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alfrocheiro (I’d never heard of it either). It was a dark, dirty purple and had an intense aroma of big fat fruit – fresh over-ripe black cherries and blackberries.
It was dry with medium acidity and a high level of tannin, covering a range from ripe to firm, making it almost chewy. The fruit flavour was intense, and it felt almost wrong that it was dry with a sensible alcohol level. The fruit flavours were joined by some vanilla and a little cinnamon and something gently floral which was emphasised with food.
The flavour lasted well, working through the fruitiness to a spicy length. It was great value at £7.
Blimey – did you take that photograph after finishing the bottle?
Yes!