Welcome to the Vinogrande Blog wine ring, where today we witness an epic duel between the wines of Portugal and Spain. In a clash of middleweights, heavyweights and super-heavyweights, let's explore the wine riches of these two Iberian countries. The ring is ready, the glasses are poured – let the duel begin!
Middleweight Reds:
Quinta de La Rosa Reserva Tinto 2020 (Portugal) vs. Mauro 2020 (Spain)
Quinta de La Rosa Reserva Tinto 2020
- Scores: 95 points Wine Spectator
- Profile: Fresh, enveloping aromas with delicate floral notes, exuberant depth
- Price: €32.45
- Scores: 94 points Robert Parker, 93 points José Peñín
- Profile: Harmonious balance and a captivating expression of the Valle del Duero
- Price: €37.95
Fight Notes: An intense clash between the diversity of the Douro and the balanced expression of the Valle del Duero. Quinta de La Rosa Reserva Tinto 2020 stands out for its imperial structure, while Mauro 2020 impresses with its elegance. Still, victory goes to Quinta de La Rosa Reserva Tinto 2020 by unanimous decision, thanks to its slightly higher score and lower price.
Heavyweight Reds:
MOB Gauvé 2016 (Portugal) vs. Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenárias 2019 (Spain)
- Scores: 19 points Grandes Escolhas
- Profile: Refined elegance, vibrant freshness, pulsing tannins
- Price: €52.95
Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2019
- Scores: 98 points Robert Parker
- Profile: Intriguing depth, striking persistence, intense perfume
- Price: €43.85
Fight Notes: A battle of titans between the elegance of MOB Gauvé and the excellence of Castro Ventosa. Both show complexity and structure, but victory goes to Castro Ventosa Valtuille Cepas Centenarias 2019 for its impressive score and lower price.
Super-Heavyweight Reds:
Quinta da Manoella Old Vines Tinto 2020 (Portugal) vs. Vega Sicilia Alion 2017 (Spain)
Quinta da Manoella Old Vines Tinto 2020
- Scores: 94 points Robert Parker, 92 points Wine Spectator
- Profile: Precise tannins, imposing structure
- Price: €95.75
- Scores: 95 points James Suckling, 94 points Robert Parker
- Profile: Refined elegance, seductive smoothness, layers of complex fruit
- Price: €86.90
Fight Notes: An epic duel between two giants. Quinta da Manoella Old Vines Tinto 2020 shows its strength with precise tannins, but Vega Sicilia Alion 2017 takes the win for its elegance, smoothness and unique complexity. A split-decision victory for Vega Sicilia Alion 2017.
Heavyweight Whites:
Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única 2020 (Portugal) vs. Attis Nana 2021 (Spain)
Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única 2019
- Scores: 94 points Robert Parker, 19 points Grandes Escolhas
- Profile: Refined elegance, engaging complexity, refreshing acidity
- Price: €37.95
- Scores: 91 points José Peñín
- Profile: Vibrant freshness, seductive density, elegant ageing notes
- Price: €35.40
Fight Notes: In the whites' ring, Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única 2020 and Attis Nana 2021 put on an intense battle. With sublime elegance, Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única 2020 wins by unanimous decision.
Final Result: A Draw
In a tense, thrilling duel, Portugal and Spain finish level! Every wine showed its own quality, and in the tasting ring there are no losers. This Iberian wine duel makes it clear that both countries have plenty to offer wine lovers. The real winner? Those lucky enough to taste these masterpieces. Until the next bout, wine lovers!
