Quinta do Noval, Vinho Regional Duriense (Portugal) 2009

Quinta do Noval, one of the world’s greatest Port producers, has been making dry wines from their home in the Douro Valley for about a decade.   They make three levels of dry wines. The first level, Cedro do Noval, named after the famous cedar tree that dominate the terrace at the Quinta do Noval, is a blend primarily of the classical Portuguese varieties with a small amount of Syrah.  It’s a robust red, to be sure, with succulent black fruit offset by vibrant spice and an almost chewy texture.  It’s lovely to drink now with hearty wintertime fare.