The Douro River trip from Porto to Pinhão either on a ship or by rail is remarkably beautiful. One feature you see is terraced vineyards running up from the river. Mechanization is problematic given the steep slopes.
This Lua Cheia red wine from the Douro was grown on terraced slopes. It has a black cherry colour almost purplish. On the nose black currant, cassis, black cherry, licorice with a hint of lavender. On the palate the tannins are well hidden making this a smooth wine very relaxed and mellow in character. Notes of blackberry, cherry with some root beer at the core. The wine has aged nicely and really has nowhere to go other than in your glass by the end of 2022. Take it beyond that and a decline is inevitable.
It would pair well with grilled meats and is mellow enough to pair with Portugal’s national dish Bachalau with cod as its key ingredient.
(Lua Cheia Red Wine 2019, DOC Douro, Lua Cheia-Saven, ľlhavo, Portugal, $14.95, 750 mL, 13.5%. Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 266882, RKS Wine Rating 87/100).
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 