Esporao, Alentejo DOC (Portugal) 2009

 Esporao 2009 Reserva is a suggestion from a somewhat forgotten corner of wine’s global landscape. We drink sweet, fortified wines from Portugal. We drink light, somewhat spritzy white wine from Portugal. But all too often we ignore the excellent red table wines of this small European nation that borders Spain on the Atlantic ocean. Portugal produces many fantastic dry table wines, and this Reserva from Esporao is a fine example. From the warm Alentejo region, the Esporao showcases three indigenous grapes in the blend – aragonez, trincadeira and Alicante bouschet – along with cabernet sauvignon. It is plump and juicy on the palate, with delicious red and black fruit aromas, firm tannins and remarkable length and depth. This is a seriously good red that won a gold medal at the 2013 San Diego International wine competition, and the average price at WineSearcher.com is $21.