Tasting - Varas Vinho Tinto

Name: Varas Vinho Tinto

Variety: Castelão (45%),  Tinta Roriz (25%), Tinta Barroca (20%), Pinot Noir (10%)

Country: Portugal

Region: Lisbon

Year: Did not say/could not find

Price: $21.95 box ($5.49 per bottle)

Vintage Cellar Description: This smooth Portuguese red is a blend of Castelão (45%), Tinta Roriz (25%), Tinta Barroca (20%) and Pinot Noir (10%). The vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slopes of clay and limestone soils. The wine was aged in oak barrels. 

Box Description: This wine was produced with carefully selected grapes of Castelao 45%, Tinta Roriz 25%, Tinta Barroca 20% and Pinot Noir 10%.

Its vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slopes of clay and limestone soils, providing excellent conditions for the production of quality wines.

This wine was obtained through long maceration of the grapes, traditional fermentation and oak ageing.

My Review:  This wine backs up everything Professor Boyer has been saying in class about how box wines are increasingly becoming more popular for quality wines to be packaged in.  There was nothing overly complex about this wine but that's not what it was going for.  Simply labeled "Red Dry Wine - Table Wine," it is clear this wine is supposed to be consumed for everyday purposes instead of special occaisons.  Leaving your mouth feeling slightly dry, it is well balanced and would be excellent with food. I bought this box and can't wait to go home and try it with a nice, hearty dinner.