/B
Tasting Note: Porto Cruz Tawny
Comments = is it reasonable to ask more to a 8 euros Tawny Port?
Final Grade = B
/B+
Tasting Note: Porto Quevedo, 20 years Tawny Port
Comments = great complexity, well balanced, long finish
Final Grade = B+
/A-
Tasting Note: Quinta de la Rosa, 2010, Colheita Porto
Comments = great complexity, well balanced, enjoyable bouquet
Final Grade = A-
/B+
Tasting Note: Late Bottled Vintage Porto, 2014, Quinta do Noval
Comments = Need further aging to develop its full potential and smooth its tannins
Final Grade = B+
Beginners
What is the meaning of “Terroir” in wine?
The term “Terroir” is French and is quintessential to their approach to wine and winemaking. It has no equivalent in English and is considered controversial by some experts. It was central in the birth of the French AOCs (see What is the meaning of AOC in wine?). It is a Read more…
Q & A
What is the meaning of AOC in wine?
AOC is the French acronym for Appellation d’Origine Controllée. It is the equivalent of the AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée). It could be translated litterally as Appellation of Controlled Origin. It has been translated in European wine laws by the acronym PDO meaning Protected Denomination of Origin. It can be considered Read more…
Q & A
What is a “Comite Interprofessionnel”?
It is a French local governing body tasked with representing all interests related to wine production in a particular region. It is responsible for all regional designations, including those of the adjacent AOCs. Its Spanish equivalent is the “Consejo Regulador“. Its Italian equivalent is the “Consorzio“.
Q & A
What is a “Consorzio”?
It is an Italian word for a group or organization (derived from the latin “Consortium”) focused on regulation. It is mainly made up of wine growers. The Consorzio Chianti Classico, the most renowned Italian Consorzio, has played a significant role in promoting and safeguarding the Chianti Classico wines (rules and Read more…
Q & A
What is a “Consejo Regulator”?
Its translation from Spanish is “Regulating Council”. The network of Consejos Reguladores, which represent every single D.O. and DOCa, is in charge of regulating the local wine production (yields, authorized grapes, accepted practices, area under vines, authorized plantings…) It includes merchants, winemakers, and growers of vines who collectively decide on the specific Read more…