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Ocean Hills CC Living July 2025

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| OHCC LIVING | JULY 2025 | 35 Beyond Port: Exploring the Unsung Wines of Portugal When most people think of Portuguese wine, Port often takes center stage. However, Portugal offers a diverse and vibrant wine landscape that extends well beyond the fortified sweetness of its most famous export. From crisp whites to bold reds, Portugal's lesser- known wines are gaining international acclaim for their unique character, indigenous grape varieties, and excellent value. One of the standout regions is Vinho Verde, located in the lush, rainy northwest. Despite its name — "green wine" — Vinho Verde is not green in color, but rather young and fresh. These wines, often white, are light-bodied with a slight effervescence, showcasing bright acidity and citrus notes. Made from native grapes like Alvarinho (Albariño in Spain) and Loureiro, Vinho Verde pairs beautifully with seafood and light fare. Moving south, the Douro Valley — best known for Port — also produces exceptional dry red wines. These are often blends of grapes like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca. Rich and full-bodied, Douro reds offer flavors of dark berries, spice, and earthy minerality, rivaling some of the best from France and Spain. The Dão region, nestled among granite mountains, yields elegant and structured wines. Reds here, typically made from Touriga Nacional and other local varieties, are known for their balance and aging potential. Dão whites, often from Encruzado, are floral and creamy with good acidity. In the sun-drenched Alentejo region, wines are fuller and riper. Alentejo reds often feature grapes like Trincadeira and Aragonez, delivering robust, fruit-forward wines with soft tannins. The region's whites, increasingly popular, are aromatic and easy drinking. Portugal's dedication to its native grape varieties — over 250 of them — gives its wines a distinct identity. Minimal use of international grapes like Cabernet or Chardonnay means the flavors are uniquely Portuguese. As global interest in distinctive, terroir-driven wines grows, Portugal's non-Port offerings deserve a place on your table. Whether you're a fan of zesty whites or bold reds, there's a Portuguese wine waiting to surprise and delight. OH Wine Tasting Club is open to all residents for an annual fee of $15. ~ ChatGPT, Jody McDonough (760) 653-8198, jodyzm@ gmail.com Wine Tasting Club

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