WINE
One of the great mysteries in today's wine world, at least for me, is why Portuguese reds have not been swept up in the red-blend craze. After all, they are blends, and most of them are delicious. Case in point: the 2012 DFJ Vinhos "Portada" Winemaker's Selection, an insane bargain at $10. The grapes are tinta roriz (tempranillo), cabernet sauvignon, caladoc, castelao, pinot noir and touriga nacional, which means layers of flavors (lots of red berries) and textures. Still, it boasts great harmony and refinement on the finish. Any meat or veggie cooked over a flame (wood or gas) will cozy right up to this hearty red, and it's a swell pizza wine, too.
Available at Perrier, Vinifera, Cellars, Excelsior Vintage, Solo Vino, Lake Wine & Spirits, Sentyrz and Savage muni. BILL WARD
