Wine: Quinta de Pancas Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: Estramadura, Portugal Vintage: 1995 Once each year the Hong Kong Wine Society visits Macau for joint tastings with the enclave's Wine Society. The best Portuguese wines and vintage ports are sampled.
This year the top two red wines were Quinta do Carmo 1994 and Quinta do Cotto Grandoe Escolha 1994, the subjects of previous columns. The Quinta do Carmo is available locally through Omtis, while the Quinta do Cotto may soon have an agent in Hong Kong.
Another impressive wine was Quinta de Pancas 1995. Ranked overall fourth out of the 16 wines tasted, this was considerably cheaper than the top three.
It is made entirely from cabernet sauvignon grapes which are not common in Portugal. Quinta de Pancas was established in 1669 and belonged to the Perestrellos family.
The wine is quite balanced, rich, fruity, concentrated and full-bodied. It is an excellent accompaniment to roast lamb.
Where to Buy: Quinta de Pancas is available in several Macau supermarkets for about $80 a bottle - excellent value.