Wines of Portugal Releases 50 Great Portuguese Wines List

Wines of Portugal today announces the list of 50 Great Portuguese wines, as chosen by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.  A longstanding program in the UK, this is the first year that the 50 Great Portuguese Wines list has been created for the US market.

As one of three individuals in the world holding both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles, Frost was the ideal person to lend his expertise and palate to the judging process.  After spending the past year tasting over 600 wines submitted for evaluation, Frost had the difficult task of narrowing down his selections for the 50 Great.  In addition to the Top 50 Great, Frost also selected the Top 10 Best Values as well as the Top 10 of the Top.

“I am honored and excited to present my selection for the 50 Great Portuguese Wines for the US,” says Frost.  “Portugal is experiencing exciting growth throughout the global wine industry, and the evolution of its wines in recent years is a true testament to Portugal’s dedication to advancing the quality of its wines, while still honoring their grapes and long standing wine traditions.”

“This year’s wines,” continues Frost, “are more than the usual suspects; the protagonists include cooperatives, some of which have heretofore been ignored. It’s a sign of the measurable improvements in Portuguese wines over the last quarter century or so that have pulled along the most recalcitrant into the mainstream of Portugal’s international achievements.”

“2012 has been a great year for Portuguese Wines and bringing the 50 Great to the United States only provides further evidence of increased importance in export markets, “ says Nuno Vale of Wines of Portugal. “Not only do we want to showcase what our producers are accomplishing with their wines, but to also celebrate key partners who have aided in promoting Portuguese wines in the United States.”

There will be a presentation of the 50 Great Portuguese Wines, awards ceremony for the top importer, restaurant and retailer and a trade tasting on January 24, 2013 in New York City.

See the complete list of the 50 Great Portuguese Wines here.