The Connoisseur - December 2023
Jingle, jingle, tinkle, tinkle, clink, clink. It’s the sound of glasses being raised to toast the mid-winter festivities and these three wines are perfect accompaniments to any party you are planning. Descriptions below, and if you fancy more, you can order from The Cellar.
Don’t forget, you can look up past boxes in The Archive.
Anexo Tinto
[grape/vintage] Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês, Trincadeira / 2021
[region] Alentejo
This feisty, complex and very drinkable, low-intervention red – a street fighter in a velvet catsuit – matures to perfection in stainless steel, old oak barrels and clay amphora (talha). It’s spontaneous and fresh but with all the wisdom and subtle touch of an old session musician.
Our sommelier describes it thus: intense ruby color, and first notes of exuberant, expressive red berries and forest fruits, typical of the artisanal Alentejo “talha” wines. Underneath though, some hints of black fruit and spices, even jams and caramelized fruits. The palate is rich and full with mineral notes from the clay. Bold tannins make this very gastronomic.
Pairs well with a good old fashioned roast, some sausages off the barbie, or even a fatty fish.
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.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Quinta do Convento, Tinto
[grape/vintage] Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional / 2019
[region] Douro
This is a Douro classic – rich ruby colour; strong nose of dark berries, chocolate, spice; smooth and elegant in the mouth- that had us thinking of Roman villas, Pombaline palaces and the smell of a hillside after an aftenoon rain shower.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: lovely deep ruby colour, this wine has an intense aroma of rock rose, fresh red fruit and spices. It is fresh and elegant in the mouth, very well-balanced, with intense fruit, and an elegant, long finish.
We suggest pairing this with a rabbit stew or roast game bird, classic pepperoni pizza, some good stinky cheese or a buttery apple crumble.
The wines of the Douro Valley, typically a blend of grape varieties, 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.
Casa de Saima, Baga Bruto
[grape/vintage] Baga / 2020
[region] Bairrada
A delicate, high wire act of fine precision-carved bubbles, refreshing fruit bowl of pear, apple and apricot, and toasted brown sugar and brioche. You could start with this and keep on going right through dinner.
Our sommelier has this to say about it: clear, crystalline, with a very fine and delicate bubble. In the mouth a complex and intense combination of pear, apple, citrus, yeasts and oaks with an extremely delicate perlage. Presents a high class acidity in perfect balance with an excellent volume.
Pairs well with black caviar, a medium dry cheese, or a strong meaty dish like squid in black ink sauce or a roast pork loin.
Bairrada produces wines with high acidity and tannins, often aged in oak barrels to soften the tannins and develop complex flavors. The region’s soil is predominantly clay and limestone, which helps to retain moisture and gives the wines a distinct minerality.
Check it out in The Cellar.