The 2007 TINTO (QUINTA DAS BACELADAS) is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, most of the rest Merlot, with 2-3% of Baga. With a touch of char and an earthy demeanor, it shows good depth and a bright demeanor, a nice finish and an elegant, well constructed mid-palate. This is a nicely harmonious wine with some character. Drink now-2017. This big winery has an array of inexpensive products from various grapes in the region (as well as from various regions) that can be a bit bewildering. It is often difficult to tell what the significance is of the various brands on wines that look quite similar and create some confusion, which is a marketing issue largely, the legacy of the company deciding to keep its existing brands (Reserva Dao and Particular) when it acquired Quinta da Garrida in 1999. Although not all are reviewed this issue, a quick overview of the line from Dao (or the regional wines, Beiras) is worthwhile. Note that all of the wines are all produced at the Estate. The “Vista” brand, not reviewed this issue, is marketed largely on the grape—Touriga Nacional or Tinta Roriz. The Quinta da Garrida branded wines are all marketed as single quinta wines, although I am told by International Director Mario Neves that the Reserva Dao and Particular “could be now considered single estate wines because all grapes are produced in the Quinta da Garrida Estate.” At the time Garrida was acquired (1999), the Reserva Dao (reviewed this issue) and Particular were made “using selected wines from high quality producers in the region,” says International Director Mario Neves. Today, those brands have “small differences in terms of the final blends and bottle aging (Quinta da Garrida and Quinta da Garrida Reserva are older).” The grapes for Particular and Reserva have a common base of 80-90% of the wine with Garrida, according to Neves. The Reserva Dao and regular Garrida Tinto see only a small portion of oak aging and have broader blends (particularly including Jaen). The Garrida Reserva and Particular have somewhat longer aging in oak and use only Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. Ultimately, at least some of that seems a bit strained and unnecessarily confusing.NOTE TO TRANSCRIBERS: ALIANCA IS NOT CALLED CAVES ALIANCA ANY MORE EVERYTHING PUBLISHED IN 2009 AND GOING FORWARD SHOULD BE LIKE THIS: ALIANCAImporter: Tri-Vin Imports, Mount Vernon, N.Y.; tel?(914) 664-3155; for the Garrida wines: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620

With the French winemaking influence of consultant Pascal Chatonnet, this is a rich and rounded wine, bringing out some flavors of wood, while preserving much of the firm, structured character of the Baga grape. Just ready to drink, but worth aging. ——R.V.(11/1/2011)—— 92

A firmly dry wine, driven by the dark tannins, only opening slowly to give ripe berry fruits. The soft side of the wine does bring out the lighter nature of the Baga in the blend, which has been tamed by wood aging. There is a final flourish of fresh black plum juice.——R.V.(8/1/2009)—— 90

A rare Portuguese Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend, made with the involvement of Bordeaux winemaker Pascal Chatonnet, working with Caves Alianca’s winemaker Francisco Antunes. Does it work? Yes, as a delicious curiosity. There is no connection with Portugal, but there is smooth new wood, and some pepper from alcohol. Then tannins are dry, the fruit is very ripe and very rich.——R.V.(9/1/2007)—— 90