Herdade do Rocim, Alentejo (Portugal) 2017

 Portugal’s white wines are starting to gain some ground in the U.S., thanks to pioneering producers like Alentejo’s Herdade Do Esporao.  This selection hails from the same region from a producer of equal caliber and quality.  The Mariana is a lovely marriage of Alentejo’s top three white grapes, including 60% Antão Vaz (a particularly strong variety for the region), 30% Arinto and 10% Alvarinho.  With bashful floral and baked lemon and honey aromas, this wine is deliciously vibrant on the palate with a touch of weight in the body — an excellent pairing for cuisine that could use a little punch.