false 2010-01-30T00:14:16Z Portuguese wines are making a comeback in the market. Pushed aside in recent years by ever-increasing imports from Australia, New Zealand, South America and other European nations, Portuguese bottlings have languished in the shadows. In the past decade, though, the quality of Portuguese wines has increased by leaps and bounds. Today, new vineyards are being planted, and better wines are made across the entire spectrum of Portuguese wine production. Although (indeed perhaps because) the wines of Portugal remain relatively unknown compared to those of France, Italy and even Spain, they continue to represent some of the best values on the market. Good Portuguese reds provide a delicious combination of rich aromas, full flavors, and a delectable, spicy style. <br> Varas, from Casa Santos Lima, is a blend of the native Portuguese grape varieties Castelão (aka Periquita), Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo) and Tinta Barroca along with a touch of Pinot Noir. Grown in an area called Lisboa (formerly Estramadura)-stretching north from Lisbon and west to the Atlantic coast, this is a stunning example of the value to be found among modern Portuguese wines. It's a wine that puts the fun back into wine drinking. <br> The color is a lovely, medium-deep ruby. The bouquet is alive with blueberry, cherry and strawberry fruit aromas backed by hints of baked cobbler, lovely soft earth and subtle spice tones. The palate is a supple, mouth-filling cascade of plump, juicy blueberry, cherry and strawberry fruits along with hints of sun-baked herbs and allspice. In a way, the '08 Varas weaves together the rich fruit and spice of Rhone Valley reds with the subtlety and elegance of Burgundy, and adds a bit of Portuguese terroir and style along the way. <br> Serve this smooth and spicy red with your favorite red meat recipes, well-spiced Mediterranean dishes, pizza or pasta. Enjoy it as well with most anything off the grill, from salmon to steaks to eggplant. You'll find the fruit seems even juicier and brighter than before. It has the refreshing zip of acidity as well as the body needed to pair with a wide range of meals. Above all, stock up because these deals don't come along every month. false 489 Portugal, Vinho Regional Lisboa, Casa Santos Lima, Varas 2008 8.99 2226 true 2010-03-05T23:45:47Z 3.08 true