Tag Archives: Portugal

5 Reasons to Drink This Weekend

5 Reasons To Drink This Weekend / June 20, 2014 / No Comments.

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 We’re not the type of people who need a reason to drink. If we’re breathing that’s reason enough. But for those who need more, here you go:

  1. SUMMER: Yes we’ve been feeling the heat all along, but this Saturday marks the official beginning of the summer season. So celebrate this year’s summer solstice with something yummy (and preferably chilled) to sip on.
  2. U.S.A. vs. Portugal: These two impressive teams compete against each other in the World Cup on Sunday. What better way to cheer on our great nation’s soccer skills than with a cold beer in hand?
  3. Happy Birthday Prince William: With his new family in the spotlight and his adorable son as a paparazzi target, we’re sure William will be toasting to his 32nd birthday with a fair share of libations. Join in and raise a glass to our royal neighbor across the pond.
  4. Jersey Boys…the movie: As the notorious Broadway musical approaches it’s ninth year on the stage, Jersey Boys has been made into a feature film directed by the reputable Clint Eastwood. If you find yourself at the theater for its premiere this evening, don’t forget to experience the tunes with a classic cocktail, or really anything that will get you to dance and sing along.
  5. Cue the Fried Food: Treat yourself this Sunday, because National Onion Rings Day is upon us. After a weekend full of excitement (and probably a good amount of alcohol), we know that you’re probably pining for something that will please your taste buds. So get ready, it’s almost time to indulge in a fried feast.

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Expand Your Horizons with Portuguese Wine

Our Stories / July 31, 2013 / 1 Comment.

Portuguese Wine

Many Americans fall into the “casual wine drinker” category – we like wine, there are a couple types we usually stick to and we don’t necessarily try to branch out. Seriously, who has time to be a master sommelier? However, we do think casual wine drinkers still have some room to expand without feeling like they have to study up and become wine aficionados. Even if you don’t drink wine regularly, it’s important that you know what’s out there and what it tastes like so you can make an informed decision and enjoy a great glass of vino.

 

That being said, we’d like to introduce you to wine from Portugal.

 

Portugal has been in the game for a long time; they started exporting their wines to Rome during the Roman Empire and really grew when they began to export to England in the early 1700s. They have some amazing grape varieties that you have probably never heard of before, but they are instrumental in producing fantastic wine. Here are some of the main wine styles you’ll find coming out of Portugal:

 

White wine: A unique style of white wine with low alcohol and high, fresh acidity is Vinho Verde. It typically comes out of the cool, hilly, verdant north west of Portugal and can be made from many different grape varieties blended together.

 

Red wine: Summers in Alentejo are very hot, which means the grapes ripen easily and create rich flavor with lots of body. Alentejo red wines are made from many different grape variety blends, like Trincadeira and Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah, or Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

You’ll also find many types of Rose, Sparkling Wine, Port Wine, Madeira and Moscatel. For more information about them and foods they pair well with, check out the Wines of Portugal website.

 

The bottom line is that Portugal has lots of different wine growing regions with unique characteristics, but most love to blend grape varieties. The next time you’re at the wine shop, grab a bottle of Portuguese wine and appreciate all of the different flavors.

 

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