The Insider - November 2023
Well, the leaves are falling here in Portugal and the air’s a bit chilly now, so for our Glass Half Full Club Members we’ve got some selections that will bring some warmth and cheer to your evenings (or mornings?!?) . Light a fire, pop the cork and 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.
Casa Américo Encruzado
[grape/vintage] Encruzado / 2021
[region] Dão
Mmmmmm. Smooth and round as a river rock. Crisp and fresh as a blast of mountain air from the slopes of the Serra da Estrella. Deep and complex as a Zen koan. This is a classic Encruzado… expressive and delicate, balanced and opinionated.
Our sommelier describes it thus: lemon yellow colour with hints of green. A delicate aroma with notes of white fruits and citrus peel. Creamy on the mouth, with a vibrant acidity and a long, mineral finish.
Pairs well with a rich tuna steak or maybe something South Asian like coconut shrimp, or stay close to the source with the Portuguese classic bacalhau com natas.
The Dão region, in the center of Portugal, is known for elegant, complex and full-bodied wines, with exceptional acidity and aging potential. The region’s vineyards are planted on granite hillsides, and the soil is predominantly sandy and well-drained.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Quinta Varzea da Pedra Reserva Tinto
[grape/vintage] Syrah, Touriga Nacional / 2021
[region] Lisboa
A deep and thoughtfull red. You could pour right out of the gate cuz it’s bright and cheery at first, but let it sit for a moment and gather its thoughts then enjoy its well-formed discussion of spices, charred wood and black cherry.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: intense ruby colour, with aroma of red fruits well-integrated with spicy, smoked notes. Intense, fresh and structured in the mouth, with a very long finish.
We suggest pairing this with a …a big hearty meat stew or char-grilled t-bone off the grill.
The Lisboa region is located just north and west of Lisbon. The region’s diverse landscape includes coastal areas, hills and valleys, which creates a variety of microclimates and soil types, producing a range of wines, including red, white, and rosé, and is known for its high-quality and innovative winemaking.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Quinta do Convento Reserva Tinto
[grape/vintage] Vinhas Velhas (mixed varietals) / 2018
[region] Douro
Smooth, complex, elegant. The winemaker won’t (can’t) say what grapes are in this cuz it’s a field blend from old vines that date back 100 years. If you were that old you’d have some damn good stories to tell as well. Crack this open, sit back and let the tales pour over your tongue.
Our sommelier has this to say about it: deep ruby in color, this wine has an aroma of wild fruits, anise, rockrose and a hint of wood smoke. Intense in the mouth, with layers of complexity based on freshness and elegance that gives it a rich and persistent aftertaste.
Pairs well with elegance, like a grilled medium-rare filet mignon with horseradish on the side, or dressed, roast pheasant.
The wines of the Douro Valley are known for their depth, complexity, and aging potential. The soil is predominantly schist, a type of metamorphic rock that retains heat and helps to ripen the grapes. The region’s unique terroir, combined with the use of indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques, create wines that are rich, complex, and full of character.
Check it out in The Cellar.