A blend of five varietals, this juicy red from the Dão region in Portugal has plenty to offer in both the nose and the mouth. The layered bouquet offered notes of dark plums, leather, vanilla, charred wood, and, dare we say it, dirty laundry.
In the mouth, we enjoyed both red berries (gooseberry and cranberry) and dark fruit (plums and black cherries), as well as earth, leather, fennel, and iron/uncooked red meat. The long earth and iron finish highlighted this wine’s old-world roots.
With a combination of five grapes (Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, and Baga), this red brought plenty to the table. It served up a medium-body, dry, grippy tannins, and medium-high acidity, with nice balance and structure. We appreciated the simple, art deco-style label, as well as the silver foil top, which complemented the look.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive red wine that will pair well with an array of dishes, including aged and/or sharp cheeses and grilled meats, this could be right up your alley. At less than $14 CAD per bottle, it represents tremendous value for the money.
Rating (from 70 to 100): 90/100
Value: 5/5
The Bottle Details…
Name: Mondeco Red
Vintage: 2011
Producer: Quinta Do Mondego
Region/Country: Dão, Portugal
Grape Varietals: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, and Baga.
Although we could not find the exact proportion of the varietals in the 2011 offering, the 2010 Mondeco Red, taken from the winery website, had the following percentages: Tinta Roriz (30%), Touriga Nacional (25%), Alfrocheiro (20%), Jaen (15%), and Baga (10%).
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Consumed: At home with family and friends on a cool winter evening.
Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO
Cost: $13.95 CAD at the LCBO
Bottle Presentation: A modern, black-and-white art deco-like label, with a classy combination of fonts. The silver top added a touch of class.
The Tasting Details…
Appearance: Medium ruby-garnet
Nose: Medium nose comprised of dark plums, leather, vanilla, charred wood, dirty laundry, and garrigue.
Taste: A dry, medium-bodied red blend, with medium-high acidity and dry, biting tannins. Prominent tastes included dark plums, black cherry, gooseberry, cranberry, earth, leather, fennel, and iron/uncooked red meat.
Finish: A long finish of earth and iron.