Porrais Tinto '17

A decade ago, our $15 and under wine club was filled with wines made from Rhône varieties. There was a bountiful array of wines at that price point, largely from places like the Southern Rhône Valley or perhaps Northeastern Spain. Today, it is without question that some of the greatest wine values in the world come from Portugal. For full-bodied, complex red wines, the Douro Valley is one of the premier regions in the world for both collector wines, as well as great values. As we have mentioned in the past, Porrais is a name to know in the Douro Valley. Located in the Cima Corgo sub-region, this property was once owned by one of the Douro's most iconic figures, Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. While not owned by the family anymore, winemaking is still in the family, with "Xito" Olazabal making the wines today. "Xito" is considered one of the top winemakers in Portugal. His wine from Douro Superior, Quinta do Vale Meão is perennially considered one of the best and most age worthy wines in the region.  Porrais Tinto is the entry-level wine in the line-up of reds at Quinta de Porrais. It is a blend of indigenous Portuguese varieties: Sousão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place in stainless steel tanks. It is aged for just 9 months in used French oak barrels. The 2017 Porrais Tinto offers pretty aromas of plums, blackberries and baking spices. It is full-bodied, yet well-balanced with soft tannins, and a bright, juicy finish. A versatile wine at the table, we like this with braised short ribs, or even as a glass on its own.