Hi Roland, It is a bit extreme to brand all Portuguese Red wines(Vinho Tinto) as being of no consequence in taste or bouquet. The problem is that the Portuguese wines that are exported to other countries (the most famous one being Mateus Rose) are generally of the worst quality and are more suited to cooking! The Red Wines from the Alentejo region in Portugal are definitely comparable to the best Riojas from Spain, it would be rare to come across them anywhere but a speciality wine store.
The Germans do the same with their beer, they keep the best for themselves and export the rest. It is nearly impossible to get Augustiner or Hofbrau outside of Germany though these are the local favourites in Munich(missing from Gabe's wonderful list of beers!). Regards Sunith Velho Roland writes: With regard to Portuguese Moscatel, Grandjo and Tinto they being not available in the Gulf liquor stores, it wasn't until I came to Canada that I saw they are really of no consequence in taste, bouquet or by most other wine standards. The Ports and Sherrys from Portugal and Spain are world class though I suspect the brands of these two fortified spirits available in Goa were far inferior to the norm. _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list Goanet@lists.goanet.org http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org