The Aiolas Red Blend 2019 is a $5.99 Trader Joe's import wine, a DOC designated wine from the Dão region of Portugal. TJ's does not offer any information concerning this Red blend.This is somewhat unfortunate since the wines of Portugal tend to be unique. they often use indigenous grapes such as Touriga Franca or Tinta Barroca. While new grapes are exciting for someone on a wine journey, it can be intimidating for newer wine drinkers.The Aiolas Red Blend 2019, while probably made for ALDI Nord and Trader Joe's for export, is an example of the type of wine that the average wine drinker in Portugal drinks every day. The world drinks sub-$10 wine, even if the wine magazines imply that they drink fancy boutique wine.Dão is located in north-central Portugal and is surrounded by four different mountain ranges. There are 30,000 mostly small family-owned vineyards.For most of the last 100 years, Portugal produced wine to be consumed by people inside Portugal. They used local grapes and made wine to appeal to the local populace. In 2008 in the world economic downturn, the Portuguese government turned to the local wine industry to ramp up production for world export.Since the wines of Portugal were insular and unique to Portugal their wines are very distinct. While most of the wine world uses some variation on the grape greatest hits, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Portugal does local grapes to make their style of wine.This is a DOC designated wine, which means it was farmed and produced to their highest quality standards, something that is always good to see in a $5.99 wine. The alcohol content is 13%.Aiolas Red Blend 2019 Tasting NotesThe color is a dark, barely see-thru black cherry red. The nose is a mix of ripe red and blackberries, soft spice, coffee beans, light herbs, and chocolate powder.This Red blend has a soft, smooth mouthfeel, with mostly ripe fruit and a bit of a rougher edge on the mid-palate. It tastes of black cherry, raspberry, a slight pull from the tannins, and plum.The mid-palate brings cherry, chocolate powder, and a slap of spice. The acidity is well-balanced, it stays out of the way of the flavor profile.The SummaryThe Aiolas Red Blend 2019 is a solid, tasty red blend.I was actually expecting a more “Portuguese” Red, something tasty but out of left field.The Aiolas Red Blend 2019 is a very relatable, well-made red wine.
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