Vila Regia Douro 2013

The Vila Regia is an inexpensive wine ($8.00) from Portugal.  It is made with a blend of grapes local to the Douro region, which, according to Wikipedia is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world with production going back to the 3rd or 4th century AD.

Wine: Sogrape Vila Regia, Douro, 2013
Location: Douro, Portugal
Sugar Content: 5g/L
Alcohol: 14%
Price: 8.00
Vintages Number: 464388

The Vila Regia is a ruby-red wine with a light, fruity smell with floral hints. At least that is what my un-trained nose tells me.  lol

Young, simple and surprisingly tasty for an $8.00 bottle of wine. Medium-bodied with mild berry and slight spice.  This wine is not for connoisseurs but it is an enjoyable wine to drink with a meal or on its own.   For budget conscious wine drinkers, this is one to try. This would also be a great wine to use for sangria.  I would gladly drink this wine again.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:  8 out of 10

Plantaze Monte Cheval Vranac

My latest selection is from Montenegro.  This European country is located in the Southeast and is bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Montenegro became an independent country in 2006 after a narrow victory in a referendum to separate from Serbia.

The Vranac grape is unique to Montenegro although it is grown in Macedonia and Serbia under a different name.  This grape is known to produce a very dry wine.

Wine: Plantaze Monte Cheval Vranac 2010
Location: Montenegro
Sugar Content: 5gL
Alcohol: 11.5%
Price: $10.00
Vintages Number: 542498

This wine is a deep red colour with a bouquet of plum and spice. The first flavour is of prune, leather and mild spice.  It is very dry, smooth, with a clean finish. The flavours are mild and pleasant. The bottle recommends drinking it with red meat, game and cheeses. With its mild flavours and clean finish I would not hesitate to drink this with red pasta sauces or duck.  Traditionalists may not agree with this so judge my recommendation accordingly.

It reminds me of the Agoritikio I reviewed earlier but, unlike the Greek wine, the Monte Cheval is not watery and has stronger flavours and a better finish.

I like this wine.  I would probably not have this wine on it's own but would gladly drink it paired with a meal, appetizer or snack.  I look forward to trying other Vranac wine.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:  8 out of 10

I would welcome feedback on my reviews or hearing about great wines you have tried.  Feel free to e-mail:  odyssey_732@yahoo.ca