This is a shop favourite, and has been for many years. It shows what can be done in the hot region of Alentejo in southern Portugal. This producer has been making consistently good wines for the last few vintages, and we think this particular one is great value.
The blend of red the constituent parts which make up this wine change slightly each vintage depending on what grows well. This one is a blend of Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional, who represent the Portuguese half, topped up with french varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The Portuguese pair give warming, spicy fruit, and opulence, the french influence provides freshness and structure. The wine is aged briefly in oak just to add toasty hints. This wine is delicious now, but we have also found forgotten older vintages which have also drank really well.
The estate is owned by the Relvas family, who produce wines from an eye watering broad spectrum of varieties. But they continue to maintain focus and concentrate on making eco positive wines. They try to create a balance between investment, social and environmental sustainability, which we feel is worth supporting.