The 2010 Branco "Conde De Vimioso - Colheita Seleccionada" is a blend of Arinto and Fernao Pires, listed at just 12.5% alcohol. Fresh and fruity, this is a laid back, summer sipper that goes down easy, has no pretense and is not intended to be more than what it is. Drink it young and you'll find it quite tasty, a pleasure to drink and very satisfying at this extremely modest price level. It won't stay long at peak. It is as good as it gets now. Drink now-2012. Falua is the Ribatejo estate of Joao Portugal Ramos, whose better known estate is in Alentejo. "Conde de Vimioso" is one of Falua's key brand names. If you are looking for these, note that in the often confusing fashion that I sometimes see in Portugal, the brand name "Conde de Vimioso" is front and center in big type, with the producer name, Falua, only in tiny print on the back label. The vintage date is also hard to see. It is in tiny print on the front label where it says "Vinho Regional Tejo / 10." These are good wines to buy fresh, from the latest vintages.Importer: Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044

The 2009 BRANCO "CONDE DE VIMIOSO - COLHEITA SELECCIONADA" is a blend of Arinto and Fernao Pires, clocking in at just 12.5% alcohol. Fresh and a little fat on opening, with soft texture, this is an easy drinker that is charming and tastes great, but a little modest in finish; it fades and flattens fairly fast. That said, it is very appealing for short term drinking, and few will dislike it if it is taken for what it is. Drink it young for best results. I'm told this particular Branco may not be imported, but runs around 6 Euros in Portugal. Drink now-2012. After some debate, I have separated this Ribatejo estate out from listings with its Alentejo sibling, Joao Portugal Ramos the principal in each one, but operating under different corporate names in different regions. "Conde de Vimioso" is one of Falua's brand names. Of course, in Portuguese fashion, the brand "Conde de Vimioso" is front and center and the producer name, Falua, is in tiny print on the back label, so perhaps identification of a producer is not as important any way. Not all the wines have the Conde de Vimioso brand name.Importers: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843 ; Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044.