Portuguese Wines

As followers of Book Blather are aware, I sometimes stray from the path of author interviews, book reviews, etc. and wander over to wine country. I don’t have far to go since I live in an area noted for producing massive amounts of wine grapes. I justify this occasional walkabout by asking, “What’s better than reading a good book while sipping a glass of fine wine?” However, this week’s post has nothing to do with Washington wines. My author friend Sue Roebuck, a frequent contributor to this blog, lives in Portugal. The following post offers a glimpse of Portuguese wines. One teensy problem: they’re only available in Portugal so start planning your trip now. Welcome back, Sue.

They call it Nectar of the Gods. Wine. Or – dare I say it – Portuguese wine.

I would take a bet that if you’ve never been to Portugal then I’ve had wines you’ve never heard of. You see, many vineyards here are so small that they only produce for the domestic market. But these are some of the best.

                               

Picture this: you’re sitting by the ocean in the sun having a lunch of amêijoas a bulhão pato – or clams cooked in garlic, coriander and lemon juice – or a dish of fresh king prawns and you’re washing it all down with a refreshing vinho verde. Yes that is green wine which is a young, lightly sparkling and slightly dry wine that is stronger than you think! Try the Alvarinho green wine which is white. That last sentence isn’t as daft as it sounds because there’s red vinho verde and also rosé which are very fruity.

The sun’s getting lower, because you have to take time over your food, and you’ve just enjoyed a freshly caught roubalo (seabass) baked in a hard casing of salt – and, no, the fish isn’t at all salty once the case is broken. The white flesh will melt on your tongue, accompanied by a cold white Planalto from the Douro. Finally, why not enjoy your creamy Portuguese cheese for dessert with a rich Ervideira wine which is described on its website (http://www.wonderfulland.com/wonder2006/wine/ervideira/indexwine_en.htm#products_3) as a dark red wine, with notes of plum, wild fruit and spices. Soft in the mouth, with a notorious, elegant structure and a persistent finish.

After watching the sunset you’ll wind your way home in a very happy frame of mind. Guaranteed.

Sue is the author of Perfect Score and Hewhay Hall. Visit her website at http://www.sueroebuck.com.