October - Portuguese Wines, Nick Oakley

This month was presented by my lovely brother Nick who trades as Oakley Wine Agencies in Colchester. I've been told he's known as "Mr Portugal" in the Industry. Nick doesn't sell direct, so the wines can be got from a variety of places.
Anyway, he brought along 4 Vinhos Verdes and 4 Duoro reds. You may not know, but Vinho Verde comes as varietals from half a dozen different grapes - so we had

Casal de Ventozela – Arinto 2013 - £8.50, Halifax Wine Company
Casal de Ventozela – Loureiro 2013 -  £8.50, Halifax Wine Company
Quinta de Curvos - Alvarinho 2013 - Not available in the UK - Yet.
Cazas Novas – Avesso 2013 - £9.99 - Red Squirrel Wines

These were not typical Vinhos Verdes, as VV is evolving, away from the rather astringent, effervescent green wines we are familiar with, to much more rounded wines - and these are great examples.

 

Tons de Duorum 2012 - £8.50, Tanners
Pomares, Quinta Nova 2010 - £8.99, The Wine Society
Quinta Nova Colheita 2011 - £10.50, The Wine Society
Duorum 2011 - £12.99, Tanners

Of the Reds, the Quinta Nova appeared in the Times last Saturday, recommended by Jane McQuitty no less..