A fascinating beauty from Portugal’s Douro, the 2009 Quinta do Crasto reserve comes from old vines (average age 70) and 25 to 30 different grapes. In other words, it’s a field blend, hand-harvested from the steeply canted vineyards along the Douro River. Soft and elegant and tasting of red plums and blueberries, this is a wine to serve with something substantial, the better to savor the wine’s nuances.

● Region: Douro, Portugal

● Price: About $37 to $40

● Style: Rich and full-bodied

● What it goes with: Roast birds, game, braised beef

By S. Irene Virbila

(Los Angeles Times)

(MCT Information Services)