Sogrape, Portugal (Portugal) 2020

 Those of us of a certain age who were initiated, a least in part, to the wine fraternity via the squat bottles of Mateus Rosé may find Sogrape’s latest offering in that price category worth trying, if only for old time’s sake.  The name – Silk & Spice – and the old map label pay homage to early Portuguese explorers to Asia in search of both commodities.  The blend of grapes is interesting – the requisite 40% Touriga Nacional (now being explored by winemakers from Lodi to the southern France), 20% Alicante Bouchet (a favorite in traditional California field blends) and 20% Baga (with dark, tannic juice and a rep for being hard to grow).  To these three indigenous varieties has been added 20% Syrah.  Not surprisingly, the wine is lightly sweet, though not oppressively so, with spicy cherry/berry flavors and some interesting savory notes, finished off with mild, dusty tannins.  Although perhaps a tad late in the season, a good grilling wine or one for tailgaters if your alma mater is still worth being loyal to this late in the season.