Portugal has skyrocketed in popularity as of late, both for leisure travelers and for digital nomads looking to stretch their dollar. It seems like everyone is discovering how amazing Portugal is! From the cuisine, wine, and affordable lodging, it is a no-brainer to make it next on your travel list. In the meantime, pour a glass of Portuguese wine and transport yourself to the old country. Portuguese wines are built for food. They tend to have a strong acid backbone and structure (things like body, tannins, and flavor intensity). What I love about Portuguese wine and food is that the pairings are not hard and fast. This sure isn’t white tablecloth fine dining. Portuguese food is hearty, rustic, and flavorful. It is not fussy and immaculate pairings need not apply. If I had to distill down why people should pay attention to and drink more Portuguese wines, I’d say the food friendliness as described above and the fact that most of the wines are incredibly value-priced and with strong QPR (quality price ratio), especially compared to domestic wines. If you’re drinking commercial grocery store red blends in the $15 range, Portuguese red blends are sure to be your next favorite wines. You’ll find more variety with Portuguese red blends, as grocery store red blends are quite homogenous and indistinguishable. Also, you’ll be getting honest regional wines versus mass-produced commercial grocery store glug. I recently attended a press dinner at Caldo Verde in the Proper Hotel DTLA, featuring a beautiful family-style Portuguese meal served with an offering of Portuguese wines from Diniz Cellars. Shrimp, Crab, Avocado, Local Halibut Anchovy Cream, Pomegranate, Monte Enebro The Dão region is considered the Burgundy of Portugal by some. Wines from this region are elegant, elevated, and ageable. This is the first Kelman wine of the evening, from this female-owned producer. Made from the Encruzado grape, the wine is bright and fresh, but with a grounded, savory and herbal note. The goal here is to pair acidity. This is the “like with like” food and wine pairing principle. The acidic elements in the dishes (tomato, apple, and pomegranate) matched the acidity in this Portuguese white. Also, both dishes were great pairings because they have a juxtaposition within them (acid and fat in both dishes), as does the wine with bright versus savory notes. Heirloom Garlic, Arbol Chile, Salsa Verde Tomato Rice, Black Olives, Dandelion, Aïoli A lively and zippy wine serving stone fruit (apricot) and tropical fruit (both pineapple and passion fruit). Local Rock Crab, Grilled Linguiça, Kale, Mussels, Potato Back to Kelman with this Portuguese red blend comprised of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfocheiro, and Jaen grapes. This wine is Pinot Noir in style and is a lighter red when it comes to Portuguese red blends. A lovely pairing with caldo verde, a traditional Portuguese soup with a modern spin by the addition of seafood. Proof that seafood doesn’t always need a white wine! Avocado, Green Chile, Crema, Radish Garlic, Chile, CARM Organic Olive Oil This is what I’d call “Portugal in a glass” for those new to Portuguese wines. Pronounced rusticity/earthiness but great fruit, acid, and structure. Chef’s kiss! Almonds, Walnuts, Figs, Doce de Tomate Pear Brandy, Vanilla Chantilly and Hazelnut Streusel Griottines, Feuilletine Vintage Port is only made in the best years (the producer decides) and with grapes from the best vineyards. This Vintage Port delights with its “figgy” cooked fruit notes. Drinks a bit like a Ruby Port, but not as sweet. Great acid which is a nice foil to the fat in the cheese course. A special thanks to Sandra Gomes with Diniz Cellars and Caldo Verde for hosting.
First Course
Yellow Tomato Campechana
Endive + Apple
2017 Kelman Encruzado Dão $19
Second Course
Prawns
Seared Merluza
2020 Vale Dos Ares Alvarinho $22
Third Course
Caldo Verde
2017 Kelman Tinto Dão $19
Fourth Course
Beef Cheeks
Mess of Local Greens
2018 Herdade Das Albernoas Alentejano $17
Dessert Course
Three Portuguese Cheeses
Pear Serradura
Basque Chocolate Cheesecake
2017 Quinta Do Pôpa Vintage Port $96
