We were lucky enough to have Richie Ferguson from “Down to Find Wines “ in Greytown to walk us through some of his Portuguese wines. The society provided cheese platters as an accompaniment. We started with a light sparkling wine followed by four whites and two reds. One of the interesting things about these wines is that they were often blends of multiple varieties, from older vines, that gave them complexity.
There were a couple of Alvarinho to taste.
Alvarinho from North West Portugal is the same grape as Albarino from North West Spain. Albarino has become quite fashionable in New Zealand. There are now several local examples of this variety. Including Babich, Te Awa, Villa Maria, Coopers Creek and Astrolabe. The flavours were a mix of citrus rind, jasmine and tropical fruits with a crisp acidity.
The Antonio Madeira 2020 A Liberdade was an interesting blend of 23 varieties, grapes sourced from granite vineyards, from vines up to eighty years old. The wine displays a long mineral finish with white flower and fruits on the palate. Only 2000 bottles were produced.
Many of us enjoyed the Vinhas Velhas 2017. It had aromas of wild dark red berries. It was full bodied,
complex and a balanced example of an old-world wine. On the palate it gives blackcurrants, plum, raspberries, violets, tar, spice and liquorice. It has moderate acidity with firm well integrated tannins, blended from various old Portuguese varieties.
Thanks to Richie and our members and guests for an interesting and entertaining evening. Richie’s shop is open from 10am to 6pm 7 days a week. The website is dftwines.com. at 104a Main Street Greytown. Tucked away behind Shalari Boutique (the lingerie shop in Greytown.)
If you are interested in becoming a member of this group and wish to attend as a guest please ring Philippa on 021-43-4163 or Dave on 027-4530-475.
