Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Irreverente: a 2005 Red Wine from the Beiras Region of Portugal

Irreverente
2005 Vinho Regional Beiras
Portugal
13% Alcohol


The Back label: (in Portuguese and English)

"We decided to produce an alternative wine
-alternative in terms of content and presentations.
To be irreverent is to open new horizons, to trace new paths....A fresh outlook to the future!
This wine is the result of a careful selection and vinification of various Touriga grape varieties-Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Roriz, and Jaen.
It has a ruby colour with shades of burgundy, the aroma is of ripe plums, black cherries and blackberries mixed with a touch of cocoa and spices.  To the palate it is round and complex giving it personality and distinction.
This wine should be served at 18C with game dishes."

The back label is very accurate in the description of the wine.  The initial things my nose picks up the spicy, dusty, and slight woody characteristics of the wine, but much to my pleasant surprise the astringency of the wine is less that I was expecting.  The fruity notes of the wine come out first--blackberry, cherry, followed by a touch of chocolate and spice (wish I could pinpoint which one--I'm still learning!)  I am really in love with this wine!  The weight is medium to light, the body is quite full.  It reminds me of a touch dry pinot noir, but less cherry and a touch of spice.  There is a touch of wood or earth in the wine as well, but it is in no way overwhelming.

I really, really enjoy this wine especially for the value of only $10-15!  It seems like anyone could enjoy this wine, but even those who are wine drinkers can appreciate it.  Well done, Portugal.

3 comments:

  1. Love the blog! Can you tell me where you purchased this wine so I can go and try it out?

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  2. Thanks! I'm 98% positive I bought it at Top Valu in Columbia Heights.

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    1. Sad Panda. I did remember where I purchased said wine, but unfortunately the 2009 version of this wine was not nearly as delicious as the 2005 version.

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