Lagoalva Espirito 2011, Portugal

From the Tejo region of Portugal, this delicious red wine is made with 50% Touriga Nacional and 50% Castelao, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in French and American oak casks for 4 to 6 months.

Dark ruby/purple colors with violet and earthy herbal aromas, concentrated flavors with red and dark fruits, vanilla, coffee, blueberries, spice, black pepper, and glycerine. I know that sounds like a lot going on at once. but... it works. Chewy fruit on the palate with smooth acidity and mild tannins. Finishes long and pretty with smoky undertones. Found this at Keuka Kafe (a Wine Bar) on Queens Blvd where it was $9 per glass, but can probably be found in wine shops for under $12 per bottle, I'll have to check into that.

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.

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.