The 2008 TINTA RORIZ “VISTA TR” from Alianca’s property near Toro, Spain, also has 10% Tinta Roriz blended in. Accessible and straightforward, it is pleasantly tasty, without much structure or concentration. In its extremely modest price range, though, it has something to offer for a “drink me now” type of wine. It drank a little better slightly chilled. This won’t fall off the table, but for best results, drink it now, young and fresh. It is as good as it will get right now. Drink now-2011. Caves Alianca and its sister winery Bacalhoa provide some pretty decent values in this report. Just remember that these and most entry level wines hit peak fast and usually need to be drunk on the younger and fresher side for best results.Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155; importer for Quinta da Garrida only: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620

A smooth wine, feeling light in style, with a touch of acidity to go with the gentle tannins. It is now quite ready to drink, easy and approachable.——R.V.(11/1/2011)—— 84

TR stands for Tinta Roriz, the dominant grape in this blended wine (with Touriga Nacional). It is smooth, polished, with a spice and mint character, juicy and fruity. The tannins may be dry, but they in no way inhibit the exuberant fruit.——R.V.(8/1/2009)—— 86