Portuguese Rosé From Herdade do Esporão

As I have said repeatedly, Portugal is a wonderland of wine value. You can find so many delicious wines under $15, and even under $10. At the wine store where I work, I have recommended Portuguese wines to many customers, and subsequently turned them into Portuguese wine lovers. They are especially impressed by the value such wines offer and I am here to recommend a couple more such wines, both from Herdade do Esporão and both Rosé wines.

I've been a fan of the Herdade do Esporão winery for a number of years, and have previously raved about their wines. Each year at the Boston Wine Expo, I also take some time to sample the newest vintages of their wines. Overall, Esporão produces a wide range of interesting and delicious wines, from excellent values to higher end, impressive bottlings. I strongly recommend that you check out their portfolio and gain an appreciation for Portuguese wine.

Hopefully, as the weather has been improving, you have already been enjoying some Rosé. Now, Rosé is appropriate year round, and is an excellent food wine, but many people still drink Rosé primarily in the summer. It is an excellent summer quaffer, something to enjoy while sitting outside with family and friends, whether in a backyard or on a beach. Enjoy it with a summer salad or BBQ, or just savor it on its own.

If you are seeking an excellent bargain Rosé, then I have exactly what you need. How about a delicious Rosé for only $7? You would be hard pressed to find another Rosé that delivers as much for so little. The 2013 Alandra Rosé ($6.99) is a blend of Aragones, Syrah, and Touriga Nacional and has an alcohol content of 13.5%. It is crisp, dry and fruity with delicious strawberry and cherry flavors. Simple but satisfying, this is going to please many wine lovers, especially at this price point. I enjoyed it with some grilled chicken and it paired very well. Highly recommended!

They also produce the 2013 Vinha da Defesa Rosé ($14.99), a blend of Syrah and Aragones which has an alcohol content of 13.5%. This Rosé is a darker red color than the Alandra though it too presents as crisp and dry. It possesses strong flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, with a bit more depth than the Alandra. It also possesses a longer finish. At $15, it is still a good bargain, especially if you are seeking a Rosé with a bit more depth.

What Portuguese Rosé wines do you enjoy?

(Disclaimer: I received both of these wines as media samples.)