Check Out Some "Practically-Free" Dry Red Wines from Portugal

When you think of Portugal and wines, you probably think of the sweet red dessert wines called Port. But in recent years, dry red wines from Portugal have been making a distinct come back. After all, even grapes destined for Port can be processed in a way that will yield a dry red wine.

Let's take a look at a couple of very inexpensive dry red Portuguese wines. You might call these wines "practically free", since you can buy both of them together for about $10 total. (You can find some slightly higher priced Portuguese red wines in my earlier AC article here.)

Berco do Infante Reserva Vinho Tinto, 2005, is a value-priced wine from the Estremadura region of Portugal, made of the Castelao and Aragonez grapes.

In the glass, it is a medium brick and ruby red. Aromas rise boldly from the glass. They are deep and lush, bringing earthy plum and hints of fig. On the palate, the first touch is in the middle, somewhat tannic, tangy and perhaps stingy. Fruit is subordinate, but not fully hidden. It comes in along the close, along with cheek-tickling acids. With a decant to soften, we might see a tad more fruit. Still remarkably young for a value-priced, four-year-old wine.

Two stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for promise for future. Gary Vaynerchuck awarded 88 points to this "practically free" offering.

Find Berco do Infante at WineZap.

The Adega de Moncao Danaide Red Wine is a value-priced dry red wine from Portugal. The front label is exotic, but mostly unglued from the bottle. The rear label suggests the wine "SHOULD BE DRINK CHILLY". Needless to say, I'm a little frightened about this tasting for a number of reasons.

But let's see what we're dealing with... I'll serve right from the cellar which is at about 53 degrees Fahrenheit. In the glass, it has an extracted, medium purple/magenta tone. Interesting. Smoky ripe plums are the first noticeable element in the aroma, along with chalky black pepper. That's all good so far.

An upfront sweet acid assault comes on strong in the palate, like a blast of sweet black pepper. Almost makes your nose shake. But as you assess it, the pepper comes wrapped in a lightly fruity robe around the edges of your mouth, bringing a fiery, somewhat alcoholic, even slightly effervescent, finish. Two stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale, because I cannot bring myself around to wanting to experience it again. But what an intriguing ride!

Find Moncao Danaide at WineZap.