Portugal has long been overshadowed in the world of wine by some of its European neighbors, like Spain, Italy and France. In fact, most people only think of the traditional dessert wine port when they think of Portugal. However, the country’s wine is so much more than port. The name Encostas do Coa literally means Slopes of the Coa, one of the primary rivers of Portugal. The rocky slopes are so scenic that they’ve been nominated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. They are also the home to the beautiful vineyards that grow the grapes for this wine.

One of the things that make Portuguese wines exciting is that they are made of grapes that are almost unknown here in the United States. As an example, this stunning red includes Rufete, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. While you may not remember the names of these grapes later, the deliciousness of this wine will be unforgettable.

Technically, from the wine growing region of Beira Interior, this blend is a luscious example of both the region and the country. Ruby colored, the wine has a nice fruit forward aroma. These fruits lead on the palate with a nice rounded palate and smooth tannins. A nice, easy drinking wine that will make sure you know that Portugal is so much more than port.