Portuguese Red: Vale Do Bomfim

On this Blessed Easter 2010, Mary picked up what was to us an unknown Portuguese red wine, Vale Do Bomfim 2007 from the renowned Douro Valley.  Mary had decided to go with a rich baked ziti for the main course at dinner.  A nice hearty red seemed to be a natural as an accompaniment.  I wasn't sure what to expect having never imbibed this particular wine.  Before getting into the tasting notes perhaps a little background is in order.

Vale Do Bomfim is produced by the Symington family.  The Symingtons have been a major producer of Portuguese port wine for many years.  The family can trace its port producing history through 13 generations.  In addition, they manage two major wineries, Bomfim and Sol in Portugal's Douro Valley.  The family history is of interest. I suggest you go to Primium Famillae Vini to read a fascinating history of the family and its commitment to quality wine.

The wine itself is a blend of five Portuguese grapes:  Tinta Barroca (58%), Tinta Roriz (15%), Touriga Nacional (14%), Tinto Cao (8%), and Tinta Amarela (5%).  I decanted for about an hour.  I will try a longer process next time around.  This blend of grapes is very satisfying and a fine accompaniment to the baked ziti.  It has a deep, pleasing red color, nice legs, and a nose that is full but short.  It is sensually seductive with a slight astringent whiff at the top.  The taste is of strong red cherries and berries and an assertive spiciness.  The spice was not dominant, however. At one  point, I thought I noted both the aroma and taste of chocolate. It is well structured with good tannins.  The overall sense is of balance and solid medium body.  It feels good in the mouth, not too big, not too small but does come in at a hefty 14.5%.  My only criticism is that of the other red Portuguese wines, they lack a certain complexity that would put them in a class with the world's great wines.  Having said that, I totally enjoyed the blend and look forward to future purchases.  It is a bargain, as so many Portuguese wines are, at about $12.00 a bottle.

This is a winner.

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2008

Mary and I opened a Ruffino Orvieto Classico, 2008 for lunch today. It was surprisingly good with crisp acidity and a wonderfully floral bouquet. At first it showed a strong hint of green apple but later it turned to a lush scent and taste of ripe pear. The finish was long and opulent. Most surprising was the subtle taste of honey and hints of lemon zest which were complimented by great balance and structure. We had found the 2007 vintage rather bitter and unappealing. What a nice surprise on a snowy winter's day. Oh, and it's very affordable at around $10.00. I highly recommend this wine for nice light dishes.  

Ruffino Orvieto Classico is 50% Procanico, 30% Grechetto, 10% Verdello, and 10% Canailol Bianco.  Vinification is all stainless steel.  No oak here.   

This wine begs for fish dishes such as scallops, shrimp, flounder in butter sauce, etc.  Its crisp acidity does wonders for all fish based recipes.  We actually had it today with a home made guacamole dip made from fresh avocado.   It was superb and complemented the oily base of the avocado. We normally have this wine on a warm, summer's day but it showed itself well during mid-winter.  This is clearly the sign of a versatile and pleasing wine. 

I hope you enjoy this wine as much as we did.  Give it a try.