This wine, available at Chow, comes from Portugal’s Douro region, an area known more for genuine Port than for its table wine.  It is produced by a major Port producer, using grapes generally used for Port, but not only is it a dry red, it is a rather light one at that.  This wine is not one of the best examples of this region, but for $7.50 it, it is quite pleasing. 

Rather sour, with a tame astringency, this is a great pairing for pots of beans; simple, light cheeses; rabbit and pork chops.   Nothing too special about it, with the fruit flavors being mostly grapey, with a bit of vague berry and cherry.  The finish is pleasantly toasty with a hint of chocolate beans.  Really, this is a wonderful food wine for the price, able to pair reasonably well with a wide variety of foods.

Posted under Local Picks