Borges Lello reserva red 2023

Here's a lovely dry red wine from Portugal — Borges Lello's blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Tinta Barroca from the 2023 vintage. About the grape — Touriga Nacional is Portugal's most prized red grape, giving deeply colored, structured wines with violet aromatics, blackberry and firm, age-worthy tannins; it is a cornerstone of Port and Douro reds. There's Touriga Franca in the blend too: a key Portuguese red grape, valued for its perfumed florality and ripe red fruit, balancing the power of Touriga Nacional in blends and Port. Portugal is a goldmine of native grapes, from the zippy whites of the green northwest to the muscular reds and legendary Ports of the Douro Valley. The 'Reserva' on the label usually means it's a step-up selection given a little extra aging before release. Pour it with grilled steak, lamb or a slow-cooked stew and it'll feel right at home. Pop it open at cool room temperature — a brief chill on a hot day doesn't hurt.