Back to School Special Red (For Moms And Dads)

Fall is creeping up on us slowly, but surely. There’s a nip in the morning air. Dew covers the lawns, and especially car windshields, necessitating swishing the wipers. After the usual pre-Labour Day frenzy of buying supplies, gadgets and clothes, the kids are back in school. Get used to following school buses navigating through your neighborhoods past parents and grandparents making sure the kids get on board safely. Once the kids are tucked in for the night, mom and dad deserve to kick back and enjoy a decent glass of wine, probably now red as the temperatures have dropped.  

For an economical, tasty, full-bodied, round red, let’s do Portugal. Lisboa is one of the classic capital cities of Europe. It also lends its name to the wine growing region north of the city. Dramatic vineyards cover rolling hillsides varying in altitude from 70 to 450 meters above sea level. The San Sebastiao estate winery is located in the quaint town of Arruda in what locals call the “Enchanted Valley.” The soils are mainly clay-limestone based in a Mediterranean micro-climate. Gentle breezes emanating from the Atlantic Ocean moderate the otherwise hot summer temperatures. A blend of Syrah and local Tinta Roriz grapes, fermentation takes place only in stainless steel. Very fresh notes of plum and black fruits come through loud and clear, not masked by any wood notes associated with barrel aging. At $13.95 the value is exceptional. Serve with pasta dishes, light to medium strength cheeses or your favourite meat dish.

2022 San Sebastiao Lisboa Syrah Tinta Roriz, LCBO # 632869, $13.95