I don’t have piles of statistics and charts to determine why in Ontario’s Liquor Control Board Douro wines have slowed down to a trickle in the province of Ontario. Not that they were gushing in but it seems to me the Douro is faltering. Some of the LCBO old guard point fingers at the younger buyers even more driven by scores than the old folks retiring. Keep it up and the Alentejano wines will start nudging out Douro wines? In the 3December2023 LCBO Vintages release there are two Portuguese wines neither of which are from the Douro. I will be in Portugal early in 2024 and perhaps there is a story about this to tell.
We try a 2020 Veedha a Douro red from Douro giant Sogevinus.
Aroma: Blackberry, cassis and coal make this a dark and brooding wine. A slight bit of funkiness.
Palate: Blackberry, dark chocolate with a twist of licorice. There was maturation in both older French and Hungarian oak casks. The wine is immediately approachable as tannins are on the back of the bus as well as noticeable acidity. A bit of a rustic finish. Just a bit wee rough around the edges.
Personality: For some reason that old oak is making me a bit tired and slow. Blame it on the Hungarians.
Food Pairings: Baked butternut squash vegetarian casserole or perhaps a Mushroom Bourguignon.
Cellarbility: Drink now.
Price: $14.95 CDN (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 84/100.
(Veedha 2020 Douro Red Wine, DOC Douro, Sogevinus Fine Wines, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, 750 mL, 13%).
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