Taboadella, Dão (Portugal) “Villae” 2021 ($28, Dionysos Imports)

Portuguese wines are becoming more available on the U.S. market, thanks to increased Portuguese tourism and overall quality improvements. From my perspective, their red wines from Douro, Dão, and Colores continue to draw me back. Dão, located just south of the Douro River, which hosts the vineyards from which Porto is made. Like Douro, it is named for its river, the Dâo. Night time temperatures are cooler than many other regions in Portugal, enabling their wines to develop fully despite warm Portuguese summers. Villae is a blend of Portuguese varieties (Tinta Roriz, Jaen, Tinta Pincheira, and Alfrocheiro), and its balance and smoothness are what draw me in. Ripe red cherry and soft leather are among the many flavors that intertwine throughout this wine’s nose and body. Give this wine some air before serving, 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient, and pair with your favorite home-cooked burger.
90 Vince Simmon