Quinta do Boição Arinto Reserva 2010

16.0 / 20

Producer: Enoport

Region: Bucelas

Country: Portugal

100% Arinto from Bucelas, this has a nice straw color and a fine bouquet, where notes of ripe citrus fruit mingle with smokier notes, a hint of mineral - rubbery notes like in a Riesling - and, as it warms up, a scent of oak pops up, reminding us this has fermented in oak for

some time.

Dry impact in the mouth, the mineral notes to the foreground along with lemon and lime. In the background, a touch of hazelnuts and a creamier, heavier texture give it some grace and weight.

Feels very fresh but, at the same time, it also shows some weight and structure, which gives it an added interest. Finish is long and dry, the citrus notes again mixed with hazelnuts.

Very interesting and with a good quality/price ratio.

Tasted on 2012-10-18

Prova Régia Premium 2010

16.0 / 20

Producer: Quinta da Romeira

Region: Bucelas

Country: Portugal

Made exclusively with Arinto grapes, as most whites from Bucelas, this is a relatively new brand, expanding the existing Prova Régia brand with a more "serious" offering.

Light green in color, this has a strong mineral streak on first impact on the nose, bringing to mind chalk, along with some smokier notes. Later on, citrus notes appear in abundance, with a lot of orange flowers and lemons.

Nicely structured in the palate, although not a heavy wine by any means, this is a dry, mineral and citrus led wine, almost austere in its approach. Fresh, stinging acidity with a good, lemony finish that lingers for some time.

Surprisingly good for its price, I would even risk keeping a few bottles in the cellar for a couple of years - this could turn out to be quite a surprise.

Tasted on 2012-02-11

Chão do Prado Escolha 2007

15.5 / 20

Producer: Chão do Prado

Region: Bucelas

Country: Portugal

A Bucelas white staged in oak, this has a fresh and simple bouquet, where citrus impressions - orange skin and orange flowers - mix with some dried fruits notes, and a slight mineral touch also appears, bringing to mind rubber.

Average structure in the palate, with green apples coming to mind, well integrated with some heavier, buttery notes from the stage in oak. Medium-length persistence, with the finale coming along as dry - maybe due to the Sercial used? The ending also reveals a more mineral side that is quite refreshing.

Tasted on 2011-09-25

Quinta do Boição Arinto Reserva 2009

15.5 / 20

Producer: Enoport

Region: Bucelas

Country: Portugal

Another 100% Arinto from Bucelas, this shows some sweet fruit and citrus in the nose, along with some dried fruits. I think I could feel a faint oil-like aroma, like in some Rieslings.

In the mouth, this feels very fresh, sporting a slight sweetness on first impact, showing again some ripe peaches and oranges. But a good, fresh acidity is the driver here, which keeps this from being either fruit-forward or showing too much oak. Finishes nicely in a dry, strong lemony way.

Really nice for an outdoor summer lunch, involving copious amounts of grilled fish and salads.

Tasted on 2011-08-07

Chão do Prado 2009

15.0 / 20

Producer: Chão do Prado

Region: Bucelas

Country: Portugal

Made exclusively from Arinto grapes, as most - if not all - white wines from Bucelas, this wine has a discreet bouquet showing some notes of pears and a distinct citrus background - limes and lemons come to mind.

In the mouth, it reveals a more mineral approach, coming along as a light, dry wine. Refreshing taste, that finishes dry and with a definite lemony aftertaste.

Honest, straight to the point white that will go along well with lighter meals.

Tasted on 2011-08-05

Bucellas Arinto 2008

15.5 / 20

Producer: Caves Velhas

Region: Bucelas

Country: Portugal

A nice Arinto from the Bucelas region in Portugal. Pale yellow, it has strong citrus aromas, closely followed by some tropical fruit. It is a fresh, dry wine, filled with citrus notes until the end of the taste. A good companion for a summer sunset.

I would pair this wine with light flavored fish recipes, seafood or as an aperitif. It's and ideal match for those situations.