Day 12
Velhos Tempos
This is from the Lisboa region, about 60km to the east of Lisbon. Made from 100% Arinto, it has an unusual but pleasant aroma, with very crisp, lovely, sharp citrus notes, and a slight mineral quality. Well balanced and a surprisingly easy drink for a 13% wine.
Drink it with?
When I first had this I drank it with a fish pie. It was pretty good but the creaminess of the béchamel probably isn’t the best match for this. I think it would be much better with a grilled white fish or sushi.
Value?
9 quid. A commendation at the International Wine Challenge. A lot of complexity for a single varietal. If you like a crisp white wine with notes of lemon, then you’ll like this. Decent value
Day 13
Quinta da laceira
Shopping as I do at the higher end of the whites on this site, and particularly enjoying the Vale d’ Aldeia and Kasta whites from the Douro, this Advent calendar has allowed me to rediscover some terrific value wines that I haven’t had since the lads started stocking them. This is a prime example. Considering it’s an entry level white this has really good tropical and citrus flavours and great balance.
Drink it with?
Delightful on its own. If you’re having a roast chicken throw a splash of this in the roasting pan with some stock or water (after a spoon of flour has gone in and been cooked out for a minute) with the roasting juices (and the carrot and onion I’m assuming you’ve used as a trivet when roasting!) while you let the bird rest. Let it bubble down and make a really nice gravy. Drink the remainder as you eat and enjoy.
Value?
Oh yes. I personally prefer some of the other white Douro’s, but this is only seven and a half quid and is a really palatable drop that won’t break the bank if you’re on a budget. It has enough character and complexity to separate it from the plonk you might buy in a supermarket at the same price. Definitely one to have on hand.
Day 14
Kasta Red
A fantastic entry priced Douro with all the “T” grapes in the blend (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão). These are the grapes you’d get in a port. A rich dark colour and an intense mouth hit. You can tell it’s had a bit of time on oak. Powerfully flavoured and full bodied with wonderful dark fruit notes and a complexity of tannins that is unexpected in wine of this price. Check the reviews of this on the website. 21 reviews; 18 give it 5/5 and three 4/5 (one of which was mine. I’m spoiled. Don’t hate me for it!)
Drink it with?
This is eminently quaffable. Works well with strong cheese, a meaty pasta dish or red meats. A real all-rounder.
Value?
Exceptional value. This is a lot of wine for £8.50. Power, flavour, and complexity that I would expect of a wine a good few pounds more. You should definitely try this. Once you buy it once, I think you’ll buy it again and again. This is one of my lower priced case fillers in everything I buy from DPW.