Today we focus our attention on Alentejo red wines made from a single grape variety, whether they are typical Alentejo varieties, such as Alicante Bouschet, Aragonêz or Trincadeira, or ‘imports’ that have produced beautiful results, such as Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. A selection that shows us the enormous diversity of Alentejo wines.
If you are a lover of classics, we suggest Esporão Aragonêz (17.5 points Vinho Grandes Escolhas). "Deep on the nose, beautiful and balsamic, suggesting tobacco leaf, eucalyptus, mushroom and cocoa, as well as white pepper and a very slight hint of exotic spices, such as cardamom. Elegant on the palate, with silky tannins, beautiful acidity and complexity, leading to a fresh finish."
If you like to take a chance on less ‘conventional’ wines, we suggest two brand new ones in our shop.
After a few years' hiatus, Herdade da Malhadinha is once again sharing a 100% Syrah wine with Alentejo wine lovers. An intense Syrah, with fresh black fruit, some spice and well-integrated barrel notes. On the palate, the fruitiness remains, a wine with grip but at the same time balanced, with a long finish and good ageing potential.
Adega Mayor, meanwhile, has just launched a Pinot Noir fermented in 5,000-litre French oak vats. The wine was aged for a further 18 months in used 500-litre oak barrels. The barrels are filled to 2/3 of their capacity in order to create conditions for biological evolution in the style of Jerez. On the nose, it expresses Pinot Noir and suggests sweet floral notes in harmony with the fruitiness of ripe cherry and strawberry. All this is aligned with a fine, oxidative and smoky profile from the ageing process. On the palate, it is dry, balanced, complex, with a striking and very sophisticated flavour, an explosion of red fruit that transports us to an almost salty sensation and a pleasant, subtle bitterness on the finish. A disconcerting Alentejo wine!
Discover these and other suggestions in today's selection. Enjoy your tasting!
