The 2009 BRANCO, an unoaked blend of Roupeiro (35%) and Antao Vaz (65%) is more refreshing and exuberant than its 2008 sibling reviewed this issue, in part, no doubt, due to its youth, but I do have a slight preference for the -08, which seems to me to be solid and more lingering. That said, both provide value for the money and drink very well. Both will be better in the shorter term. Drink now-2012. Fita Preta Vinhos is a joint venture between viticulturist David Booth and oenologist Antonio Macanita. As David Booth told me, they have themselves wavered on how they wanted the producer name spelled one word, as I've listed it in the past, consistent with what one usually sees on the front of the labels; or two words, as the formal name of the company is spelled. Their final decision one word, but don't be surprised if you see it both ways as Fita Preta is in fact two words, meaning 'Black Ribbon.' Stylistically, in case you are wondering, the brand names signify different things. The 'Sexy' wines tend to be ripe and accesible and use international grapes. For some reason, it is hard to find 'Fita Preta' anywhere; it is in tiny print on the back label. While I'm always scared of brands that seem to be more interested in marketing than winemaking, these have turned the corner and are showing pretty well. The regular Tintos and Brancos, with just Fitapreta on the label, are a bit more focused and use Southern Portuguese grapes. The Palpite and Preta are specialty, upper level brands.Importer: Wine Bridge Imports, Davis, Ca; tel: (530) 574-1157; in New York only: A&R Wine Imports, White Plains, N.Y.; Info@WestchesterWineImports.com

The 2008 BRANCO is Antao Vaz. Solid and with a lingering finish, this is well crafted and quite lovely for its reasonable price range. If not quite as exuberant as the -Sexy- whites from this winery, or its younger 2009 sibling reviewed this issue, it has a more serious mien, while retaining its nice price point and a lingering finish. There were 2,000 cases produced. It should be drunk in the near future to catch it at peak. Drink now-2011. Fita Preta Vinhos is a joint venture between viticulturist David Booth and oenologist Antonio Macanita. As David Booth told me, they have themselves wavered on how they wanted the producer name spelled one word, as I've listed it in the past, consistent with what one usually sees on the front of the labels; or two words, as the formal name of the company is spelled. Their final decision one word, but don't be surprised if you see it both ways as Fita Preta is in fact two words, meaning 'Black Ribbon.' Stylistically, in case you are wondering, the brand names signify different things. The 'Sexy' wines tend to be ripe and accesible and use international grapes. For some reason, it is hard to find 'Fita Preta' anywhere; it is in tiny print on the back label. While I'm always scared of brands that seem to be more interested in marketing than winemaking, these have turned the corner and are showing pretty well. The regular Tintos and Brancos, with just Fitapreta on the label, are a bit more focused and use Southern Portuguese grapes. The Palpite and Preta are specialty, upper level brands.Importer: Wine Bridge Imports, Davis, Ca; tel: (530) 574-1157; in New York only: A&R Wine Imports, White Plains, N.Y.; Info@WestchesterWineImports.com