The inventory of wines from Portugal is not overly abundant in Tucson, a pity in that the reds are just gaining international exposure for their high quality.  Be that as it may, that doesn’t have to limit your choices.  I have said this before and will again, if you can’t find what you want here, look to alternative sources whether that be the internet or out of state retailers.  In this era, you will be hard pressed not to find what you want.  At the end of the list below, I will list some other vintners who produce great wines. 

Total Wines:

Quinta Do Vale Meao Douro, 2005:

A rich and intense wine swirling with deep aromas of kirsch, raspberry, dark plum and mocha, all intermingled with impressive minerality and soft tannins.  A lovely, almost creamy, finish.  You can enjoy this now but it has a good few years to age, as well.  Priced @ $69.99

Quinta Do Vale Douro, 2006:

Another rich and powerful wine, again with deep aromas and flavors of kirsch, dark plum and raspberry, hints of chocolate and spice.  A long and luscious finish.  Drink now or over the next 3-5 years.  Priced @ $79.99

Quinta Do Vale Meao Meandro, 2004:

With its rich and intense profile of kirsch and dark cherry along with spices, profound minerality and a hint underneath of iron, this wine is a steal for the price of $29.99.  You can enjoy this now or over the next year or two.

Quinta Do Vale Meao Meandro, 2005:

Perhaps more than the wines above, this vintage revealed exotic Asian spices intermingled with layers of deep plum and black currant.  A definite sense of mocha and the usual pronounced minerality bring up the finish of this powerful wine.  Enjoy now or over the next couple of years.  $27.99

Quinta Do Vale Meao Meandro, 2006:

Still a bit rough and tumble but don’t confuse that with a lesser quality.  It still acts “young” and should emerge as a typical muscular wine.  A bit tight but red plum and cherry emerge along with some meaty and vegetal notes.  Great minerality.  Give this another year or two before opening.  $29.99

Feast:

Quinta Do Vallado Douro, 2003:

While this was a nice wine with lovely plum and cherry flavors and an almost smooth raspberry streak, time may have subdued its personality as this is not a wine for the long haul.  I have not tasted it since ’06.  Priced at $45 if you buy it from the shop.

Pastiche:

Quinta do Vallado Douro, 2004:

A classic wine from Portugal with deep blackberry and dark cherry aromas and flavors; hint of iron adding some muscle and nice minerality; drink this over the next year.  Retail price at the shop: $22.99

Now, as promised, here’s a list of some quality producers that don’t import wines into Tucson to the best of my knowledge but can be searched through the internet.  The best from any of these vintner’s has the potential to age for 8-10 years and even their entry wines can be cellared for 5 or 6 years.  Even the reds at the lowest price level from alternative vintners often tend to be well balanced with deep red fruits and spice and can be enjoyed for up to 4 or 5 years.

Quinta Do Crasto:

Any wines from this Douro vintner is assured to be top notch.  The wines vary in price from $30’s to over $100. 

Lemos & Van Zeller:

Another top quality vintner whose reds range from around $30 to $100

Niepoort:

While this vintner has a top reputation for Port, it also produces fabulous table reds ranging from ~$30 to close to $100

Quinta Do Noval:

Is another Port producer that also offers high quality reds that range from ~$50 to ~$100.

Prats & Symington:

A well known and respected producer.  Entry level wines are only ~$30 while the higher end can run you $70+.

Churchill:

Great wines whether at the entry level of ~$30 or the higher end at ~$75.

Tags: Douro, Feast, Pastiche, Portugal, Total Wines