Douro reds overwhelm Douro whites in terms of volume. The whites are in the minority in the Douro but as white wines of the Douro matter it is only fitting, we try a Cabral Reserva from the Douro a blend a Arinto, Rabigato, Gouveiro and Vioshino. You’ll find these white grapes in almost all Douro whites.
This Cabral was aged in older oak for nine months.
Aroma: Peach, apricot, orange blossom and Portuguese roasted almonds in somewhat of a rustic fashion.
Palate: Grapefruit, pineapple and guava all in a smooth down the hatch format. Acids are delightfully reticent. While many Douro whites are built more for food than simple sipping this wine is both a sipper and a foodie wine. The wine performs better being cool as opposed to cold.
Food Pairing: I won’t disagree with the back label saying that the wine is excellent with fish, white meat made from cream or butter. As for fish I love my sardines in Porto at Postigo do Carvão and some acidity better suits sardines so this wine would not suit them but it would suit a Robalao (sea bass) or a Dourada (sea bream) at my favourite seafood restaurant in Porto at Postigo at 24 R. da Fonte just up from the river. Call in advance and they might be persuaded to cook a Robalo in rock salt. And in addition to fish enjoy a variety of meats and incredibly delicious appetizers and desserts which must be paired with a Port!
Cellarbility: Consume by the end of 2024.
Price: $14.95 CDN (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 85/100. Marc André Gagnon (vinquebec.com).
(Cabral Reserva 2020, D.O.C. Douro, Vallegre, Pinhao, Portugal, 750 mL. 13%).
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 