BY Quinta Do Judeu 2009 Portugal

Country / Region : Douro Valley, Portugal

Year : 2009

Grape Variety : Touriga Nacional / Touriga Franca / Tinta Roriz /Tinta Barroca / Tinta Amarela

Style : Full, Complex Red

ABV : 14%

Drink By : 2018

Price : €14 to €16 RRP

The Winemakers

From 1932 Quinta do Judeu has belonged to Alves de Carvalho family and its name is due to the existence of a roman Jewish statue on its roof. It is a center of excellence in winemaking combining the latest technology available for the development of extremely high quality wines with traditional practices, such as grapes treading in granite tanks (lagares).

Quinta do Judeu owns 3 estates in the Douro Valley with a total of 27 hectares of vineyards, only with native Douro varieties. The vineyards, with an age up to 80 years old, comprise of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viosinho, Gouveio and Arinto. The old vines, red and white, with its diverse and mixed varieties, some of which rare and unknown, constitute an enormous Douro asset that Quinta do Judeu will maintain and share.

The Wine

Dark red colour. Elegant floral and fruity aroma with light chocolate notes. On the palate it shows a smooth and silky texture, with rounded tannins and blueberries and dark fruits. Elegant and balanced. Long finish with slight sweet fruit. Between Quinta do Judeu and Corgo da Régua in terms of intensity, structure and longevity.

Unfiltered so it should be decanted.

Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels.

Quinta Do Judeu Red 2008 Portugal

Country / Region : Douro Valley, Portugal

Year : 2008

Grape Variety : 15 Varieties including Touriga Nacional / Touriga Franca / Tinta Roriz / Tinta Barroca / Tinto Cão / Tinta Amarela / Tinta Francisca / Sousão

Style : Full, Complex Red

ABV : 14.5%

Drink By : 2021

Price : €21 to €23 RRP

The Winemakers

From 1932 Quinta do Judeu has belonged to Alves de Carvalho family and its name is due to the existence of a roman Jewish statue on its roof. It is a center of excellence in winemaking combining the latest technology available for the development of extremely high quality wines with traditional practices, such as grapes treading in granite tanks (lagares).

Quinta do Judeu owns 3 estates in the Douro Valley with a total of 27 hectares of vineyards, only with native Douro varieties. The vineyards, with an age up to 80 years old, comprise of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viosinho, Gouveio and Arinto. The old vines, red and white, with its diverse and mixed varieties, some of which rare and unknown, constitute an enormous Douro asset that Quinta do Judeu will maintain and share.

The Wine

Dark Red Colour. Classic Douro aroma, full of character and complexity. Ripe fruit, spice and a light toast and coffee from the barrels. In the palate it shows full body with a strong personality and a solid structure of tannins, embracing some black ripe fruit. Long and harmonious finish.

Unfiltered so it should be decanted.

Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels and a further 1 year in bottle.

Awesome Portugal

The very first wines imported by Wine Alliance when we started were from Portugal. Not perhaps the obvious first choice but there was something about the wines and the wineries that really clicked with us and of course the price / quality ratio was (and still is) off the charts.

I’m just back from a quick trip to see my two main wineries in Setubal and the Douro Valley. It was a lovely trip with many highlights. My darling wife and fellow director of Wine Alliance came along to meet the wineries and see first hand why I get so excited about Portuguese wines. Well, they certainly rolled out the red carpet.

A short spin from Lisbon brought us to the Santo Isidro do Pegoes winery. Eva, our wonderful guide brought us to one of their best vineyards and it was very impressive. Lots of grape varieties there including Touriga Nacional,  Castelao, Alicante Bouchet, Tinta Roriz, Chardonnay, Arinto to name a few. The list goes on and on. The vineyard manager has worked there for over 40 years.

A full tour of the winery followed and we finished off with a lovely tasting of a cross section of wines from their impressive range accompanied by local meats, breads and cheeses. The single varietal wines really impressed and samples are on their way with my order that leaves this week.

A four hour drive the following day took us to the beautiful town of Peso Do Regua in the Douro Valley, home of Quinta Do Judeu. Its owner, Andre Marinho Pinto brought us to a lovely local restaurant across the river from one of his three vineyards, the beautiful Covelinhas. We piled into Andres jeep and climbed the incredibly steep and terrifying roads to the very top of the estate.

Now, people always say that the views in the Douro are incredible but nothing can really prepare you for the absolute jaw dropping scale of it. Stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. Each of his amazing vineyards left us in awe at the sheer beauty of this incredible part of the world.

So a wonderful trip. What impressed, apart from the incredible beauty of the country was of course the quality of the wine. The Douro is known more for its ports and rich red wines but it was the whites that perhaps surprised the most. Marvelous complex wines that offer amazing value. The reds ( and ports) were awesome too naturally.

Most of all though, it was the people that left the biggest impression. The generosity and warmth of the hospitality was amazing and you can see the obvious pride in their vineyards, wineries and of course their wines. I would heartily encourage you to visit this amazing part of the world if you get a chance. It will astound you.

Adega de Pegões Touriga Nacional 2010 Portugal

Country / Region : Setubal, Portugal

Year : 2010

Grape Variety : 100% Touriga Nacional

Style : Full,  Spicy Red

ABV : 14%

Drink By : 2021

Price : €14 to €16 RRP

The Winemakers

Pegões, established in 1958, is a modern and competitive winery recognised both in domestic and international markets. Pegões wines have been distinguished with several awards at the most important international wine contests.
ith a vineyards area of 2.200 acres, they follow a systematic strategy of modernization with the key objective of continuously improving the quality and value of their wines.

The Pegões Terroir is located between two Nature Reserves – the Tagus estuary to the Northwest and the Sado on the Southwest, on the east side of the Arrabida hills and on the west side of the Alentejo province clays. The Pegões region is unique in climate and soil conditions.

The climate is Mediterranean and the soil, named “Pliocenico de Pegões”, is sandy formed over millions of years by sand transported by the rivers Tagus and Sado. It is this climate / soil combination that gives birth to the unique Pegões wines.

The Wine

Floral notes, characteristics of the variety with some spices and matured fruit, soft but present tannins.  Full bodied with lovely length.

10 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by 4 months in bottles, before it is released on the market

Perfect with Game, Grilled / Roasted  Meats & Cheeses

Winner of 140 International Wine Awards

Jamie Goode  “Possibly Portugals Best Co Op”

Adega de Pegões Chardonnay / Arinto 2010 Portugal

Country / Region : Setubal, Portugal

Year : 2010

Grape Variety : 50% Chardonnay / 50% Arinto

Style : Citrus, Fresh White

ABV : 13%

Drink By : 2016

Price : €14 to €16 RRP

The Winemakers

Pegões, established in 1958, is a modern and competitive winery recognised both in domestic and international markets. Pegões wines have been distinguished with several awards at the most important international wine contests.
With a vineyard area of 2.200 acres, they follow a systematic strategy of modernization with the key objective of continuously improving the quality and value of their wines.

The Pegões Terroir is located between two Nature Reserves – the Tagus estuary to the Northwest and the Sado on the Southwest, on the east side of the Arrabida hills and on the west side of the Alentejo province clays. The Pegões region is unique in climate and soil conditions.
The climate is Mediterranean and the soil, named “Pliocenico de Pegões”, is sandy formed over millions of years by sand transported by the rivers Tagus and Sado. It is this climate / soil combination that gives birth to the unique Pegões wines.

The Wine

Beautiful citrus lemon colour

Very fruity nose. A very structured wine. Fresh citrus, yellow apple combined with stone fruits and spice from the integrated oak. Beautiful length.

4 months in American and French oak barrels.

Perfect with Fish, Pasta, White Meats  & Cheeses

Winner of 140 International Wine Awards

Jamie Goode  “Possibly Portugals Best Co Op”

Adega de Pegões Syrah 2010 Portugal

Country / Region : Setubal, Portugal

Year : 2010

Grape Variety: 100% Syrah

Style : Full,  Spicy Red

ABV : 14%

Drink By : 2021

Price : €14 to €16 RRP

The Winemakers

Pegões, established in 1958, is a modern and competitive winery recognised both in domestic and international markets. Pegões wines have been distinguished with several awards at the most important international wine contests.
ith a vineyards area of 2.200 acres, they follow a systematic strategy of modernization with the key objective of continuously improving the quality and value of their wines.

The Pegões Terroir is located between two Nature Reserves – the Tagus estuary to the Northwest and the Sado on the Southwest, on the east side of the Arrabida hills and on the west side of the Alentejo province clays. The Pegões region is unique in climate and soil conditions.

The climate is Mediterranean and the soil, named “Pliocenico de Pegões”, is sandy formed over millions of years by sand transported by the rivers Tagus and Sado. It is this climate / soil combination that gives birth to the unique Pegões wines.

The Wine

Deep ruby colour with loads of black fruits and spice on the nose. Flavours of of red berries and black mature fruits, notes of jam. Full bodied with great length.

10 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by 4 months in bottles, before it is released on the market

Perfect with Game, Grilled / Roasted  Meats & Cheeses

Winner of 140 International Wine Awards

Jamie Goode  “Possibly Portugals Best Co Op”

More Newspaper Coverage

I hope you enjoyed the St Patricks Day festivities and the long weekend. The family headed off to the Mrs home county of Wexford to see the relations, including the latest addition to the clan, Roisin. A week old today and just gorgeous.

My weekend was made even more enjoyable thanks for Matthew Nugent, wine writer with the Irish Mail On Sunday where he was kind enough to review two of my best selling wines.

First up was the limited edition New Zealand Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc

Closely followed by the Portuguese Corgo Da Regua Red

So a big thank you to Matthew for the lovely reviews.

Fontanário de Pegões Palmela Reserva 2007 Portugal

Country / Region : Palmela, Portugal

Year : 2007

Grape Variety :  Castelão / Cabernet Sauvignon / Touriga Nacional

Style : Full Bodied, Smooth Red

ABV : 14%

Drink By : 2021

Price : €16 to €18 RRP

The Winemakers

Pegões, established in 1958, is a modern and competitive winery recognised both in domestic and international markets. Pegões wines have been distinguished with several awards at the most important international wine contests.
ith a vineyards area of 2.200 acres, they follow a systematic strategy of modernization with the key objective of continuously improving the quality and value of their wines.

The Pegões Terroir is located between two Nature Reserves – the Tagus estuary to the Northwest and the Sado on the Southwest, on the east side of the Arrabida hills and on the west side of the Alentejo´s province clays. The Pegões region is unique in climate and soil conditions.

The climate is Mediterranean and the soil, named “Pliocenico de Pegões”, is sandy formed over millions of years by sand transported by the rivers Tagus and Sado. It is this climate / soil combination that gives birth to the unique Pegões wines.

The Wine

Dark ruby colour. Rich aromatics. Ripe delicious tannins. A velvety wine with excellent structure. Black and red berries, Plums, Liquorice, Dried fruits, Chocolate, Spice and Vanilla. A full bodied red wine. Lovely long finish.

12 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by 2 years in bottle.

Perfect with Game, Grilled / Roasted  Meats & Cheeses

Winner of 140 International Wine Awards

Jamie Goode  “Possibly Portugals Best Co Op”

Quinta Do Judeu Red 2007 Portugal

Country / Region : Douro Valley, Portugal

Year : 2007

Grape Variety : Touriga Nacional / Touriga Franca / Tinta Roriz / Tinta Barroca / Tinto Cão / Tinta Amarela / Tinta Francisca / Sousão/ 7 Others

Style : Full, Complex Red

ABV : 14.5%

Drink By : 2021

Price : €21 to €23 RRP

The Winemakers

From 1932 Quinta do Judeu has belonged to Alves de Carvalho family and its name is due to the existence of a roman Jewish statue on its roof. It is a center of excellence in winemaking combining the latest technology available for the development of extremely high quality wines with traditional practices, such as grapes treading in granite tanks (lagares).

Quinta do Judeu owns 3 estates in the Douro Valley with a total of 27 hectares of vineyards, only with native Douro varieties. The vineyards, with an age up to 80 years old, comprise of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viosinho, Gouveio and Arinto. The old vines, red and white, with its diverse and mixed varieties, some of which rare and unknown, constitute an enormous Douro asset that Quinta do Judeu will maintain and share.

The Wine

Dark red colour. Pure and clearly defined aroma. Orange blossom, caramel and black fruits. On the palate you may find the whole Douro with power, elegance and minerality. The powerful tannic structure and the acidity level will allow this wine long years of great evolving.

Unfiltered so it should be decanted.

Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels and a further 1 year in bottle.

Quinta Do Judeu White 2010 Portugal

Country / Region : Douro Valley, Portugal

Year : 2010

Grape Variety : Malvasia Fina / Rabigato

Style : Full, Complex White

ABV : 14.5%

Drink By : 2015

Price : €18 to €20  RRP

The Winemakers

From 1932 Quinta do Judeu has belonged to Alves de Carvalho family and its name is due to the existence of a roman Jewish statue on its roof. It is a center of excellence in winemaking combining the latest technology available for the development of extremely high quality wines with traditional practices, such as grapes treading in granite tanks (lagares).

Quinta do Judeu owns 3 estates in the Douro Valley with a total of 27 hectares of vineyards, only with native Douro varieties. The vineyards, with an age up to 80 years old, comprise of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viosinho, Gouveio and Arinto. The old vines, red and white, with its diverse and mixed varieties, some of which rare and unknown, constitute an enormous Douro asset that Quinta do Judeu will maintain and share.

The Wine

Bright light yellow. Intense aroma of tropical fruit, peach and lemon. On the palate, a perfect rounded sense, strong structure and a fresh natural acidity. The balance between the sourness and sweetness makes this wine one of a kind.

Aged for 1 month in French oak barrels.