deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2020 Monte da Ravasqueira Guarda Rios Tinto (Alentejano, Portugal) – $13.99 regularly $17.99.

Amidst the typical Alentejano landscape in Central Portugal, there are the vineyards of Monte da Ravasqueira, about 1.5 hours drive east of Lisbon. The land was acquired in 1943 and mainly produced fruit, with the first plantings of the vineyards was in 1998 with the first wines produced commercially in 2006.

Part of the José de Mello family for three generations now, Monte da Ravasqueira covers an area of about 3000 hectares. In 2012, Pedro Pereira Gonçalves took over winemaking duties with the challenge of rethinking Monte da Ravasqueira’s oenology philosophy and wine profile, betting on a sustained growth of the brand with the aim of making it a revered name in the Alentejo.

Guarda Rios is the Portuguese name for the Kingfisher bird, which lives in the Alentajano region. This young Tinto is blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Tinta Amarela, and Alicante Bouschet. Dark and deep colour. Intense nose with spicy notes and notes of wild berries, forest, and a touch of vanilla. Full of volume to the palate, with a fine structure with notes of chocolate, cinnamon, mint and a tobacco persistent end with ripe tannins. Try with baked salmon, roasted red meats, charcuterie or a selection of strong cheeses.

2020 Monte da Ravasqueira Guarda Rios Signature Tinto (Alentejano, Portugal) – $13.99 (regularly $17.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2018 Miguel Torres Celeste (Ribera del Duero, Spain) – $20.99 (regularly $26.99).

Gaga adds – “For me, it’s not about where, but when,” she also says in her email. “I like to toast with Dom Pérignon to celebrate life. To celebrate achievements. To celebrate each other. And to celebrate the kindness in the world.”

deVine’s is thrilled to offer two exclusive releases of the 2006 Lady Gaga Limited Edition Brut Rosé – $479.99 and the 2010 Lady Gaga Limited Edition Brut – $369.99 in Queendom packaging for your consideration. The iridescent surface of the bottles and packaging is intended to reflect the flow and movement of a magnetic veil.

Given the extreme shortage of high-end Champagne in the province, this may be the only ultra-premium tete de cuvee available for the upcoming Christmas season, so best to acquire this sooner than later. Quantities are extremely limited.

2006 Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon x Lady Gaga Limited Edition Brut Rosé (Champagne, France) – $479.99

2010 Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon x Lady Gaga Limited Edition Brut (Champagne, France) – $369.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2018 Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Rufo Douro (Douro, Portugal) – $18.99, regularly $22.99.

Located in the heart of the Douro region where the river flows into Northern Portugal, in Cima Corgo in the Vale do Rio Torto, the first records of Quinta Vale D. Maria date back to 1868. The history of Quinta Vale D. Maria winemaking begins in 1996 in the hands of Cristiano van Zeller, when he buys the property from the family of his wife, Joana Lemos van Zeller.

Since then, with a lot of dedication and passion, Quinta Vale D. Maria has garnered a reputation nationally and internationally for its excellence. Its fine wines and ports show a deep respect for the region and for the legacy of Cristiano van Zeller.

Traditionally during the harvest, the drum marked the rythm of the arrival of the grapes in the winery. Rufo (drum in Portuguese) is the conductor of the procession, the instrument that indicates the way for those who follow.

An easy blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, the wine is full of black fruits (blackberry, blueberry and mullberry) and soft tannins finishing with minerality. Try with grilled meats.

2018 Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Rufo Douro (Douro, Portugal) – $18.99 (regularly $22.99)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Austria is considered by many to be one of the well-kept wine secrets in Europe. Its numerous indigenous grapes and quality-conscious, small family producers make for interesting sampling for those wanting to expand their wine knowlege with delicious, food-friendly wines the whole range from Sparkling to white to red and dessert wines.

You’ll find well-made artisan wines at reasonable prices representing brilliant Quality Price Ratios across the spectrum, from everyday drinkers wines to fine wines for laying down. Grüner veltliner is Austria’s most famous export, making delicious crisp, fresh-tasting white wines with notes of ripe apple and a characteristically intriguing twist of white pepper and peas, while dry Rieslings are also popular. The key red grapes of Austria are Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and St Laurent with Pinot Noir growing in representation.

Experiment in your own time, but don’t miss the wines from Austria, they are becoming more and more popular and we have an expanding selection for you.

Pictured left to right:

2021 Huber Sparkling Rosé (Traisental, Austria) – $25.99