The 2012 Branco Marques de Borba is a blend of Arinto, Viognier, Antao Vaz and Verdelho, tank fermented and aged, coming in at 12.5% alcohol. Elegant and quite nicely constructed, this attractive white adds a layer of depth to the Loios reviewed this issue – and a little more seriousness. Overall, it does not show a lot of depth, but it has notable persistence on the finish and in its own right, and while it is not as exuberantly fruity as the Loios, it is quite delicious, with tinges of grapefruit and lemon. It has refreshing crispness and reasonable intensity. It is completely charming and lively, although it may not last all that long at peak. Chill it down to the low 50s and it should be wonderful this summer. Drink now-2015. Importers: for Loios, Lima, Vila Santa and Quinta da Vicosa brands: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620; for Marques de Borba brand and Red Leg: Winebow, Inc; Signature Imports, Mansfield, MA; tel. (800) 669-0750 (in New England, New Jersey, NY) and HGC Imports, San Jose, CA; tel. (408) 947-8511 (for Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington State and Colorado)

The 2010 BRANCO “MARQUES DE BORBA” is a blend of Arinto, Rabo de Ovelha and Roupeiro. Elegant and crisp, this shows nice focus and a dry, bright, sunny demeanor. There is not a lot of concentration or persistence, but it is clean, transparent and quite charming. Drink it in the shorter term for best results, although it may hold a bit longer. Drink now-2013.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: Winebow, Inc; 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)

The white version of this popular Portuguese brand is soft, ripe and warmly fruity. Flavors are of fresh apples and green plums, with a lacing of lime juice. ——R.V.(11/1/2011)—— 86

The 2009 BRANCO “MARQUES DE BORBA” is a blend of Arinto, Rabo de Ovelha and Roupeiro. Clean and refreshing, surprisingly lively in its youth, with good body and a focused demeanor, this has a lingering finish for its status and is a nice value for its price point. I very much liked this—but note that if you are on a budget and encountering young, Ramos’ own ’09 Loios, reviewed this issue, is a good and dirt cheap alternative this year. This is a better wine in my view, but the Loios may be an even better value, although it may fade sooner. Drink now-2012. This lineup is often a good source for values in Portugal. This year’s releases are no different, and perhaps better than most in that regard. There are a lot of beautifully constructed wines here that are charming and inexpensive (ignoring the Reserva “MARQUES DE BORBA,” which has spiked up dramatically in recent years to levels many might find unrealistic). The Vila Santa Reserva Tinto and the Marques de Borba regular Tinto are certainly best buys, but there are good cases to make for the monovarietals and the Loios wines as well.Importers: for Loios, Vila Santa and Quinta da Vicosa brands: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Marques de Borba brand: 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).

The 2008 BRANCO MARQUES DE BORBA is a blend of Arinto, Roupeiro and Rabo de Ovelha. Pleasing, light and bright, it drinks nicely in its price range, showing good fruit and flavor. It is easy drinking and reasonably refreshing, too. It finishes a bit short and becomes a bit less impressive with air, but it is perfectly respectable for its price range. I find this bottling is pretty consistent from year-to-year, always attractive for the price. This year’s version drinks nicely. Drink it as young and fresh as possible for best results. Drink now-2011.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).