The 2007 BRANCO MARQUES DE BORBA is a blend of Arinto, Roupeiro and Rabo de Ovelha. It is bright and light, clean and friendly, an easy wine to drink that will be refreshing and laid back (the alcohol level is only 12.5%). Its finish is a bit short, and it needs to be drunk young for best results. Drink now-2010. Iconic Southern winemaker Joao Portugal Ramos has many brands, Falua/Vimioso for his Ribatejo property, the low cost Loios brand, the single vineyard Vicosa, Vila Santa and the flagship Marques de Borba in Alentejo. For convenience, they are all grouped here although note that the Falua wines do not necessarily have Ramos’ name on the label.Importers: for Loios, Vila Santa and Quinta da Vicosa brands: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Marques de Borba brand and Red Leg: Signature Imports, Mansfield, MA; tel: (800) 669-0750 (in New England, New Jersey, N.Y.) and HGC Imports, San Jose, CA; tel: (408) 947-8511 (for Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington State and Colorado); for Conde de Vimioso (Falua) brand: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843 (Washington, Portland and California) and Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044 (New England, New Jersey and New York).

A full, round wine that tastes of the hot, dry climate of the Alentejo, with its ripe fruits, light structure and low acidity. It is a wine for food, its simple textures a great accompaniment to spicy dishes.——R.V.(11/1/2008)—— 84