JDR

WINE OF THE WEEK #043

Hi there,

we are almost back on track with another field blend from Secret Spot Wines:



VALE DA POUPA - DOC Douro - Field blend Tinto Reserva 2007

If you want to read more about the story behind the field blends of Secret Spot Wines, I propose you read the review of wine #042.

The grapes from this red blend are:
Tinta Roriz (or Tempranillo), Touriga Franca (a big grape when you talk about port wines), Tinta Barroca  and Touriga Nacional (high tannins, structure, body and black fruit : the “cabernet sauvignon” of the region if you want).

When I look at the label at the back, there is one aspect that shocks me a bit: this wine has an alcohol level of 15,5%! Guess I will have to put a bottle of water next to my glass.

Let’s find out if the wine is balanced or not!

Appearance
Deep cranberry red, looks very extracted because even the legs have colour.
Appealing, that’s for sure.

Nose
The first note that I get is dusty ‘n deep black fruit. Black cherry, cassis, figs, and that deep, dark oily aspect I also found in a Priorat I previously tasted. Reminds me of black olives. A very masculine nose.

Taste
I am glad that I used my decanter to give this wine some air because this is a big boy, yet very elegant. The acidity and tannins are smoothly integrated with a fantastic layer of fruit which feels more like a dark fruit sauce you eat with game than a fruit jam or fresh fruits.
This wine is a wine you should drink now.

Finish
The elegance continues on the finish, the fruit and the power settle down very gently. The dusty component on the nose becomes a note of dried leaves on the finish like a very soft tobacco.

I am completely seduced by this bottle.
Giving it a lot of oxygen is necessary, but when it opens up you are in for a real treat. This is a big wine, not like an oaky new world macho, but a very strong old world character. Gold.

2/2 for secretspotwines!