2013 Adega Mãe 'Dory' Touriga Nacional-Aragonez-Syrah

Love red blends? Then the 2013 Adega Mãe 'Dory' Touriga Nacional-Aragonez-Syrah ($13) should be right in your wheelhouse, whether you lean more toward super-ripe U.S. concoctions or earthier admixtures from southern France. This Portuguese beauty splits the difference, with pretty red-fruit flavors and earthy/dusty notes, plus nice backbone and length. It's generous the whole way through, with a deft balance of fruit, acid and tannins. The name Dory is a tribute to smallish fishing boats that for centuries have plied Portugal's waters. This summer sipper is especially swell with a bit of a chill, and will pair beautifully with picnic fare (fried chicken, ham, potato salad) and most any beef or pork off the grill.

Available at BrightWines, On the Rocks, France 44 and Kowalski's Uptown.

Bill Ward