The Insider - October 2023
Thank you for being a member of The Glass Half Full Club. We hope you’re already enjoying this month’s selections. While you sip, read about the wines in the descriptions below, and if you really like one you can order more of it from The Cellar.
Don’t forget, you can look up past boxes in The Archive.
Figas, Vinhas Velhas Branco / Pé Franco
[grape/vintage] Fernão Pires / 2020
[region] Setúbal Peninsula
A note about Setúbal: this region, surrounding the Sado estuary, south of Lisbon might well have been the home of viniculture in the Iberian Peninsula. The oldest grape vines ever discovered either in Spain or Portugal were found here, and date to around 2000 BCE. Today, the region’s wines range from the sweet, floral Moscatel from the Serra da Arrábida, where the steep mountain sides over the Atlantic are perfect for the grape, to the sublime, well-structured reds of low-lying Palmela. With fresh, coastal breezes and hot summers, the region offers some exquisite tasting experiences.
Terras de Lava, Merlot
[region] Ilha do Pico, Açores
It’s pretty hard to find a wine from Pico Wines that we don’t like and this Merlot is no exception. It’s bloody good. Subtle, deep and light all at the same time, it perfectly balances this classic French grape with the rugged landscape and ocean winds of the island. Savor it on your palate. Drink in those volcanic after-notes and hear the waves crashing on the rocky shore of your imagination.
Our sommelier describes it thus: a ruby colour with a wonderfully complex nose of wild berry, subtle hints of pepper wrapped delicately in a light smokiness. An elegant palate, with good acidity and smoothness for a long finish.
This really is a Fella Fave and we’re happy popping its cork at pretty much any meal, but for sure it loves partnering up with a nice fatty pork cheek, a filet mignon, or some mature cheeses. But surprise yourself and pair it with a grilled tuna steak or chocolate decadence cake.
As for Açorean wines, Ilha do Pico is truly a special terroir. The wine industry on the island (and across the Açores) is small but growing, and the local government is supporting the re-planting of historic vineyards in the rich, volcanic soils. Very worth keeping an eye on or just go there and check it out for yourself!
Cascale “Petroleiro”, Talha
[region] Alentejo
Hold this up to the light and just stare. It’s friggin’ beautiful. It’s like a cherry soda wrapped in an enigma inside a paradox. How did they capture a sunset from eight different grapes in an old amphora? These are the questions to ponder as you sip this frankly delicious wine from Casca Wines who excel at producing fascinating, one-off wines from different regions of Portugal (they’ve got an amazing orange wine from Dão).
Our sommelier’s notes: colour of cherry soda with the nose to match, with earthy hints of resin and clay. On the mouth, fine structured tannins, medium volume and fresh and persistent finish.
We found this to be fairly versatile. You could start off your evening pairing this with some soft, mild cheeses and a charcuterie board, then keep going for a main course of roast duck, but we challenge you to save enough of it for a rich chocolate-based dessert.
The Alentejo covers a large area and is characterized by its hot, dry summers and mild winters. The vineyards are planted on rolling hills and plains, and the soils are predominantly made up of granite, schist and limestone. Its wines are known for their full-bodied flavors and rich, earthy tones.