The 2012 Loios Branco is a tank fermented blend of Arinto, Rabo de Ovelha and Roupeiro coming in at just 12.5% alcohol – an easy drinker, but routinely a nice value for early consumption. I really like this bargain-priced wine when it is young and fresh. Ripe and tasty, with some acidity underneath, this exuberant youngster is simply delicious at the moment. There is a tropical fruit nuance on the finish that was completely charming. As noted many times previously, there is not much structure or seriousness here, but drink it young and well-chilled, around 50F or so, and it becomes the perfect picnic wine or porch sipper. Drink now-2014. 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 "Loios" is the familiar white version of this entry level brand, a blend of Roupeiro and Rabo de Ovelha. In its youth, this is fresh and clean, with a somewhat rich texture and pretty good depth for its modest price range. It is tasty and delicious with a fruity finish, laced by acidity. This is a very nice vintage for this bargain priced wine and it is simply hard to resist in its youth. Just remember, these wines always show best young and do not hold all that long at peak. Drink now-2013.Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Attractive, softly fruity wine, with some citrus character as well as pear and apple juice. It is crisp, fresh, ready to drink. Winebow. ——R.V.(11/1/2011)—— 85

The 2009 “LOIOS” white is a blend of Rabo de Ovelha and Roupeiro. Only 12.5% alcohol, this is refreshing and tasty, and simply a delight to drink. Keep in mind that it is the type of wine that will fade fast and seem less interesting as time goes on. Yet, with good depth and refreshing feel, it is hard to argue with this price point. Taking it for what it is—I couldn’t resist it. This is a very nice value. 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 2007 LOIOS BRANCO is a blend of Rabo de Ovelha and Roupeiro, unoaked. It is a nice value from this entry level brand. Steely on opening, it shows a rounder, fruitier demeanor with air and warmth, while retaining its crispness. Flavorful on the finish, it is also quite aromatic, a charming value wine. Despite its modest mid-palate, it feels rather fat on the finish. If you catch it young, you may think it outperforms its score, but note that this is one of those wines that will always taste best young and fresh, and as it ages, even in six month intervals, it will become less and less interesting. Drink now-2009. 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).