Sarah Ahmed – The Wine Detective

So I’m back from the Douro Valley visit with the Douro Boys.  No matter how many times I go, its scale and rugged beauty blow me away.

One wag queried “Boys,” but this is why I think it remains an apt title.  The Douro’s most famous product is port, so maybe you’re thinking pipe and slippers territory.  The Boys exemplify all that is cutting edge and dynamic about the Douro – they have the youthful spirit and adventure that marks out my kind of winemaker.  Always pushing the boundaries and let’s face it, the region is relatively young when it comes to table wines.

And I love the fact that the Douro is becoming a nose to tail experience.  Its multi-faceted slopes and the valley’s considerable length shape an increasing array of fine wines, red and white, the latter from cooler, higher slopes.  Traditional ports have been joined by new styles like aged-dated white ports, even pink port, while an ever-sharper focus on terroir and varietal blend has seen some interesting new vintage port releases in 2007.  See my notes on Niepoort’s single vineyard Pisca and Quinta do Vesuvio’s Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Sousão blend Capela.

Excitingly for you, the region is becoming increasingly accessible with new hotels and restaurants springing up all the time.  I’ll be posting my report of the visit with the Douro Boys to taste the latest 2007 releases soon with tips about where to stay and eat in the Douro.  For comprehensive coverage, check out The Wine & Food Lover’s Guide to Portugal.

OK, onto pastures new, this morning, Australia.   I’m participating in a round table discussion about Australian fine wine for Harpers Wine & Spirit magazine.  It’s fittingly followed by a 25th anniversary celebration of De Bortoli Noble One, Australia’s most famous sweet wine, – just the type of event I think Australia should be doing to draw more attention to its fine wines.  So that’s another report in the making!

Best

Sarah Ahmed
The Wine Detective