The Encruzado
Grape
A white grape variety indigenous to the Dão region of Portugal, Encruzado is highly regarded for its ability to produce complex and structured wines. It offers a balance of acidity and body, with flavors ranging from citrus and green apple to more tropical notes, often with a mineral undertone and the potential to age gracefully, developing rich, complex flavors.
Encruzado
Grape History
Encruzado is a white wine grape variety native to Portugal, primarily found in the Dão region. This grape has a long and storied history, dating back to at least the 16th century. Encruzado is a versatile grape that can be made into a variety of wine styles, ranging from crisp and fresh to rich and complex.
One interesting fact about Encruzado is that it is a relatively rare grape variety, with limited plantings outside of Portugal. This has led to a certain degree of exclusivity and allure for wines made from this grape. Encruzado is known for producing wines with a unique mineral character, as well as floral and citrus notes. It is often compared to Chardonnay in terms of its versatility and ability to express terroir.
Encruzado is primarily grown in the Dão region of Portugal, where it is considered one of the most important white grape varieties. The Dão region is known for its granite soils and cool climate, which are ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Encruzado is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Bical and Malvasia Fina to create complex and balanced wines.
Wines made from Encruzado are typically aged in oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity to the final product. These wines are capable of aging gracefully, developing a rich honeyed character over time. Encruzado is often used to make both still and sparkling wines, and it is frequently blended with other varieties to create well-rounded and harmonious blends.
The future of Encruzado looks promising, as more and more wine drinkers are beginning to appreciate the unique qualities of this grape variety. With its ability to produce wines of great complexity and elegance, Encruzado is likely to continue to gain popularity both in Portugal and on the international stage. As consumers become more adventurous in their wine choices, wines made from lesser-known grape varieties like Encruzado are expected to attract more attention and appreciation.
Overall, Encruzado is a fascinating grape variety with a rich history and a bright future ahead. Its unique flavors, elegant structure, and aging potential make it a grape worth exploring for wine enthusiasts looking to discover something new and exciting.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel