Vila Regia Douro, 2008
$9.99 at the LCBO
This week, the Ten Dollar Wine Snob tried a sumptuous Red from Portugal produced in The Douro region. The Douro is considered to be Portugal’s premier wine region, but it wasn’t always that way. Located north of Porto, the region was previous known for its Port production and its production of mediocre table wine. An emergence of the winemakers in the region, however, has caused the area to really turn around.
Priced under $10, many would still consider this a table wine, but considering its price it’s really quite delicious. The first thing you notice is the dark, rich, red colour of the wine – a burgundy or perhaps ruby colour. The nose of the wine is subtle, boasting hints of red berries, apple, and a small hint of vanilla.
How do you taste these flavours, you may ask? The Varsity is proud to present the three steps of under $10 wine tasting! Step one: when the wine is first poured, place your nose above the lip of the glass. Slowly tip your nose into the glass as you continue to smell the wine. Step two: place the wine back on the table and swirl the glass – this helps open up the bouquet. Repeat step one. Step three: take a sip of the wine, ensuring you swirl around your mouth, fully covering your tongue.
The wine is rich and full-bodied and has a lingering fruity aftertaste with a hint of coconut. Best paired with a lazy evening in, during these frightfully cold -20 degree nights.
