Doing two wines at once from Jose Maria Da Fonseca, the 2011 & 2013 Periquita with both scoring 15+ and both at 13% alcohol was fun. Each cost about $10 on release. They come from the Setubal Peninsula.

Both had rich plum, herbs, and even a mineral taste. They’re ideal food wines, dry and refreshing with good acidity. Both are made with three local grapes; the ’11 has 74% Castelao providing the fruit, and 14% Trincaderia with 12% of the excellent wine grape Aragonez. It would hold another six to ten years.

Served with a grilled beef and fresh garden vegetables; both wines worked.

The ’11 was softer and had a smoother mouth feel, while the ’13 projected a little more fruit. This 2013 had 48% Castelao, 37% Tricaderia, and 15% Aragonez, making it bolder and one that should go a decade longer than the 2011. Periquita has been around for decades and I’ve had them, 20, even 30 years old. Portugal is the place to look for quality wines at sensible pricing. In Vino Veritas.