Tasting Notes – Wines of Portugal – 09.03.2025

presented by Megan Gadwah of 3 Keys Distributing

Alvarinho Alba Rhino ~ 2024

The Monteiro family owns four wine estates in Portugal, three in the Vinho Verde region and one in Alentejo. The family company, Quinta das Arcas was founded in 1985 by Antonio Esteves Monteiro and is headquartered in Vinho Verde. In this estate, nearly 50 hectares of vineyards are more than 30 years old and under the influence of a very particular microclimate. Quinta das Arcas has about 200 hectares of vineyard and all 100% in environmentally responsible.
Appellation: Vinho Verde, Minho, Portugal

Grapes: 100% Alvarinho, ABV 13.5%

Tasting notes: Clear straw color. Abundant fruits with complex candied citrus undertones and white fl­owers resembling jasmine with complex and balanced aromas, presents strong structure in the mouth with an excellent acidity.
Producer: Quinta das Arcas

Arca Nova Rosé ~ 2024

This wine is the result of a dedicated work, persistent and in harmony with nature.House bottle displays a variety of fresh and intense aromas. 

Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC, Minho, Portugal

Grapes: 40% Vinhão, 30% Touriga Nacional, 30% Espadeiro, ABV 11%
Tasting notes: Clear and bright raspberry color. Fresh and young aromas. Strawberries and raspberries crushed into currant with generous lime drops. Nice structure and a good balance between alcohol and acidity. The light fizz enhances the wine freshness.
Pairing: Perfect for dishes such as fish, grilled poultry or a fresh salad, or sushi. Great as a summer aperitif.
Producer: Quinta das Arcas

Bico Amarelo Red ~ 2024

At Esporão, we like to move forward at nature’s pace. It means creating, innovating, and cultivating with care and responsibility while leaving enough time to enjoy. This is a philosophy we follow in all aspects of our production. Esporão was born in the Alentejo out of the unconditional desire to make the finest wines. This is the motivation that remains at the basis of everything we do, now extended to Douro, Vinho Verde, and Porto. The Bico Amerelo Red represents the diversity of the region and its main grape varieties, Espadeiro, Padeiro, and Borraçal (excluding Vinhão). Without gas and sugar, it is a light, fresh wine with good aromatic intensity.

Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC, Minho, Portugal

Grapes:  50% Padeiro, 30% Espadeiro, and 20% Borraçal, ABV 11.5%
Tasting notes: Color is attractive cherry color with a light hue. The nose will be fresh, light, and exuberant aroma, dominated by notes of red fruits such as strawberry and redcurrant. On the palate, it is fresh, vibrant, and has good volume. Persistent and refreshing finish.

Producer: Esporão

Monte Velho Reserva Red ~ 2021

With the Esporão quality seal, this wine is the result of a careful selection of grapes from the various regions of the Alentejo, followed by a patient wait during the aging phase in barrels.
Appellation: Alentejo, Portugal
Grapes:  Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Syrah, Trincadeira – ABV 13.5% (8 months in oak barrels)
Tasting notes: Clear appearance, ruby color. The aroma reveals intense notes of wild berries and black plums, complemented by sweet spices and a toasted finish due to aging in barrels. With a dense and balanced flavor, where black fruit predominates, enriched with slight notes of jam. Attractive volume and long, persistent aftertaste.
Producer: Esporão