Portugal offers a wonderful range of white wines made from indigenous grape varieties. Although the grapes may be unfamiliar, these traditional blends offer amazing character and complexity at a very friendly price. The 2019 Escadas da Beira Dão Branco is a perfect example of the value to be found. Blended from Encruzado, Malvazia Fina and Bical grapes, the Escadas da Beira pleases with its zesty combination of lemon, pear and green apple fruits backed by floral, almond and spice hints. On the palate, its juicy pear and apple fruits are enhanced by its nutty and spicy complexity plus a rich texture and vibrantly clean finish.
Escadas da Beira, Dão (Beiras, Portugal) 2019
By Wayne Belding