2007 Quinta de la Rosa

The 2007 BRANCO is a blend of typical Douro white grapes, 60% Viosinho, and field blend of Codega do Larinho, Rabigato and Gouveio, matured in French barriques. The oak is a bit obvious on opening, but there is a lot of fresh, clean fruit demanding to be tasted underneath. It is light and bright and quite charming. It will likely be best in the short term. Drink now-2010. There are changes afoot at this very good estate. On the happy front, winemaker Jorge Moreira and the Bergqvist family (that owns La Rosa) have entered into a joint venture after having purchased Quinta das Bandeiras together. The wines appear with the brand name “Passagem.” On the other hand, the very old vine vineyard, Vale do Inferno, that provided fruit to La Rosa’s reserve is gone, considered too old and unproductive. The swan song was the separate (and excellent) bottling of Vale do Inferno in 2005 (reviewed last issue). La Rosa has acquired the rights, at least temporarily, to another old vineyard to replace it. Importer: Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155;Vinum Importing, Redmond, Wa.; tel: (206) 621-8843