Lisa Graziano writes Lisa Graziano is an American expat living in Portugal since February 2019. She is ESL certified and teaches English, as well as writing The Road to Portugal.com. Lisa has been a professional harpist, real estate agent, and wine and spirits specialist, among many other things. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine, and Certified Spirits Educator though the Society of Wine Educators. Since living in Portugal, she has earned the Wines of Portugal online education certificate from the Wines of Portugal and Level two Portuguese Wine Specialist from the World of Wine.
An ode to Vinhão
Oh Vinhão, you cheeky grape!
Black Iris, dark of night,
Yet fresh with bite.
Still or sparkling, tis you alone that makes the night,
Or day so bright.
Ever brooding, dark berry fruit
Leans toward compote, then dry as soot!
Stains my teeth
Can paint the walls
(Better have Neo Blanc on call.)
A grape that many love to hate.
Obscurity has been your fate.
But wear your crown unique Vinhão
Sousão, Sezão, names you own.
Tentureier on top of that? (Or not, oh, wait!)
A quirky grape that´s all of that
While wearing oh so many hats.
With sardines or leitão
Heavenly flavors do abound
Enough for all to go around.
In blends for colour and on its own.
Vinhão has so much to show.
The most planted grape in the Minho
Did you know?
Makes you want to give it a go.
For festivals of saints
The Portuguese will say,
Sardinha no pão (Sardines on bread)
Em copo Vinhão! (Vinhaõ in the glass!)
In any case, make mine Vinhão.
