A major theme for Pierce's wine tastings is exploring high value wines that are off the beaten path. Yes, we love Cabernets and Chardonnays but there are so many amazing alternatives, and, because they are not well known, they are often less expensive than the favored varieties.
Portuguese wines are a great example. Portugal has long been a sleepy backwater in Europe which stubbornly clung to its indigenous wine varieties as other regions planted fashionable international grapes such as Cabernet or Chardonnay. Many of these local varieties are world class and they can be super affordable because they are obscure and hard to pronounce.
Portuguese wines are a great example. Portugal has long been a sleepy backwater in Europe which stubbornly clung to its indigenous wine varieties as other regions planted fashionable international grapes such as Cabernet or Chardonnay. Many of these local varieties are world class and they can be super affordable because they are obscure and hard to pronounce.