Quinta do Encontro QdoE, 2004

Quinta do Encontro QdoE, 2004

Quinta do Encontro is located in the Bairrada region of Portugal. The majority of red wines produced in this region are from the lesser known grape called Baga. This is a varietal known to produce wines with bold rich color, straightforward acidity and powerful tannic structure. Wines made from Baga can have great longevity when all the right elements come together.. Quinta do Encontro has included some Merlot in the QdoE to soften and expand the flavor profile. This wine has a deep ruby color with some dark purple hues. The nose is quite expressive with blackberries, cherries and some green pepper. This is a dense wine with flavors of black cherry, raspberries and loads of black pepper integrated onto a medium bodied frame. There are abundant tannins that completely coat your mouth and moderate acidity that lingers on the finish. This is an interesting wine to help understand the wines from the Bairrada DOC of Portugal. We purchased this wine from QFC, in Bellevue, for about $10.

Martin Codax Ergo, 2006

Martin Codax Ergo, 2006

Bodegas Martin Codax was founded in 1986 and represents modern Spanish wine making with the ideal fusion of tradition and innovation. This Bodegas produces fine white wines in the Rias Baix Region and lovely red wines in Rioja. The winemaker is Luciano Amoedo and with this 2006 vintage he has crafted an elegant wine at an everyday price. This wine is a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Mazuelo. The color is deep ruby red that is nearly opaque. The nose is full of red cherry, plum with a hint of leather and spice. This is a medium bodied wine that opens with sweet plum and black cherry and finishes with chocolate, black pepper and some lively acidity. There are light tannins and a hint of oak that help round out this modern Rioja. The Martin Codax Ergo can be found in the Seattle area for about $10-$12. Another good value from Spain.

Sliced Baguette with Smoked Salmon

Sliced Baguette with Smoked Salmon

Here is an easy appetizer that is a great addition to any wine tasting party. These are little open-face sandwiches that pair well with both red and white wines. Try these at your next tasting. I do not provide exact measures since you should construct these to your liking. Great with Champagne, Riesling, Rioja and Pinot Noir.






One French Baguette, sliced inch ½ inch slices
8 ounces Cream Cheese
6 ounces Wild Smoked Salmons (cold smoked)
Fresh Dill, chopped
Small Red Onion, thinly sliced
Small jar of Capers

Spread Cream Cheese on top of each Baguette slice. Place a small piece of the Smoked Salmon on top of Cream Cheese to completely cover slice. Top each sandwich with a sprinkling of capers, some red onion slices and a good pinch of fresh dill. Arrange on a platter for easy grazing. Enjoy!

BODEGAS PALACIOS REMONDO Rioja Propriedad H. Remondo, 2000

BODEGAS PALACIOS REMONDO Rioja Propriedad H. Remondo, 2000

Here is another fine Spanish wine that delivers elegance. We had cellared this Rioja for the past 5 years and once again, time and patience has really paid off. We brought this bottle with us to the Purple Café, in Kirkland, and enjoyed it with a pizza and salad. Our pizza was goat cheese and braised mushrooms and the lovely salad was mixed baby greens, roasted butternut squash prosciutto, toasted almonds and shaved Parmesan. Initial aromas were those of aged cheese, black fruit and flint. The color was dark ruby red with great opacity. This modern-style Rioja showed ripe black cherry flavors with fig, coffee, black olive, chocolate and earth. The tannins were firm and well-integrated and the finish was fruity and long. This was an generous and well rounded wine that we truly enjoyed with our casual dinner.

Dow Vale do Bomfim Reserva, 2005

Dow Vale do Bomfim Reserva, 2005

This dry red wine from Portugal is produced by from the house of Dow. Their reputation lies in the production of high quality Ports during the past 350 years. The Vale do Bomfim Reserva is produced from 45% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz, & 5% Tinta Barroca. This is an example of modern winemaking from established vineyards with traditional grape varieties from the upper Douro Valley. This is an elegant wine with a deep purple/red color and delightful aromas of black fruit, oak and spice. This is a rich wine with lovely flavors of blackberry, cherry, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice and a hint of oak. There is a cloak of velvety tannins and a medium/full body that is quite appealing and delicious.
This is a prime example of the high quality modern wines starting to come to us from the Douro DOC. We found this “over-achiever”, from Portugal, at Esquin Wine Shop, in Seattle, for about $12. Excellent.