Mark Squires

This Lisboa region 2013 Touriga Nacional from top producer Chocapalha remains fresh and supple, silky and laced with blue fruits. Mostly easygoing at this age, it still wakes up with air, shows some bite and improves notably. In fact, it seems gloriously young, sensually textured and vigorous at times. The brightness, most of all, makes it seem fresh and alive.

The oak rounds it off while the floral aromatics are completely enticing. 14%, $45-ish

#wine #portugal #touriganacional #lisboa

Mar 9 at 11:59amWeb
Show threadThomas Lee ✅ Mar 10
@MarkSquiresWine i love wine from the touriga Nacional grape. Especially a reserva with some bottle age.
Show threadMark SquiresMar 10
@DoctorDNS Assuming a good vintage, producer, they age well. The Dão region is especially famous for it, but this Chocapalha--a fine producer in the Lisboa area--has many years ahead of it. Should do another decade if well stored. Maybe more!
Show threadThomas Lee ✅ Mar 10
@MarkSquiresWine interesting!. I think portugal reds are often overlooked, but can be great and great value.
Show threadMark SquiresMar 11

@DoctorDNS Alas, PT is a small country that is often overshadowed by larger Spain and others.

PT had two big claims to fame traditionally on the international front: Port and Vinho Verde. The latter wasn't highly regarded as top wine, although that's changed; the former was a fortified niche.

In between, they have been making a lot of fine table wines for decades. But that message hasn't always gotten through. Portugal just doesn't have as much name recognition as Spain, France, Italy, etc.

Show threadThomas Lee ✅ Mar 11

@MarkSquiresWine Ive been enjoying (vintage) port since I first had a bottle of Sandeman's 1963. Drank in December 1975. I never looked back. I have around 30 bottles of various ports in my cellar!

I discovered Quinta do Crasto did greay still wine and love them. I particularly enjoyed touriga Nacional based reds.

After a recent Lisbon trip, we found http://portugalvineyards.com/ and have ordered lots from them. I wish i knew more.

Show threadMark SquiresMar 11
@DoctorDNS In Douro, Crasto is excellent. I like Vallado's Touriga N. too in Douro. But explore Dão region too. A lot of Portuguese will say that's the gold standard. Alvaro Castro (Pellada), Passarella, Quinta de Lemos, Quinta das Marias, Roques, Perdigão, many others. Nice stuff.