The Sousão
Grape
A dark-skinned red grape variety native to Portugal, known for its deep color and high acidity. It is used primarily as a blending grape in the production of Port and Douro table wines, contributing vibrant fruit flavors and a robust structure to the blend.
Sousão
Grape History
Sousão, also known as Sousón or Vinhão, is a deep-colored red wine grape variety that holds a significant place in the viticultural landscape of Portugal, particularly in the Douro and Minho regions. The history of Sousão dates back several centuries, with its origins believed to be in the northern regions of Portugal. This grape variety is known for its vibrant acidity, high tannins, and deep color, making it ideal for producing intense, full-bodied red wines.
One interesting fact about Sousão is its versatility in winemaking. While it is often used as a blending grape in the production of Port wines, its potential as a standalone varietal has gained attention in recent years. Sousão is also commonly blended with other grape varieties to add depth and complexity to red wine blends.
In terms of where it is grown, Sousão is predominantly cultivated in the Douro Valley, a renowned wine region in Portugal known for its production of Port wines. The maritime climate and diverse terroir of the Douro Valley provide the ideal conditions for Sousão to thrive and develop its distinctive characteristics.
Sousão is typically used in the production of Port wines, where its intense color and bold flavors contribute to the complexity of these fortified wines. It is often blended with other grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz to create well-balanced and flavorful Port blends.
Looking ahead, the future of Sousão appears promising as winemakers and consumers alike continue to explore its potential as a standalone varietal. With growing interest in unique and indigenous grape varieties, Sousão has the opportunity to carve out a niche for itself in the world of red wines. Additionally, its ability to thrive in the challenging climatic conditions of the Douro Valley bodes well for its continued cultivation and production in the years to come.
Overall, Sousão stands out as a distinctive grape variety with a rich history, intriguing characteristics, and promising prospects for the future. Its role in the production of Port wines and its potential as a standalone varietal make it a grape worth watching in the dynamic world of wine.
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