Herdade do Esporao Alandra Red 2013

From Esporao region of Portugal comes this blend of Moreto, Castelao and Trincadeira, typical Portuguese varietals fermented and aged 4 months in stainless steel tanks. Purple ruby colors, aromas of glycerine and vanilla with substantial tannins, on the palate dark berries, blackcurrants and green pepper with blue fruits and a good finish. A great value for an everyday red wine at $6.99.

Esporao Reserva Red 2009, Portugal

What a great red blend of Aragones (Tempranillo), Trincadeira (the dark grape used in Port wine), Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet (similar to a Garnacha)!

Fermented in stainless steel tanks, aged in French (30%) and American (70%) oak for 12 months and another 12 in bottle.

Deep red colors in the glass, rich, powerful and full bodied, spicy and herbal aromas with super ripe red berries on the palate along with wood and smoke. Good deep tannins and a wonderful balance. Really enjoyed this gem from Portugal. $25 SRP.

J.M. da Fonseca Periquita 2005

This was my first Portuguese wine and I really enjoyed it.

Made from grapes grown on the Setubal Peninsula, it's the oldest Portuguese table wine. The blend of 70% Castelao, 20% Trincadeira and 10% Aragonez (another name for Tempranillo) is aged for a short time in oak (4 months).

Ruby in color, with aromas of blueberries, strawberries and violets, this red has an intriguing complexity. There are flavors of licorice, plum, pomegranate, raspberries, and cedar... and as if that's not enough, a spicy cinnamon finish. There's an overall smoothness on the tongue combined with very soft tannins to make for a surprising value at $10 bottle from The Wine Room of Forest Hills.