The Insider - 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.
Casa Américo "625 Mts"
[grape/vintage] Baga, Jaen, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Pinheira / 2021
[region] Dão
One sip of this subtle, complex tinto and you’ll be transported deep into the high rocky hills of the Dão region. Keep drinking. Breathe in the wild flowers and river stones. Taste the ancient soil and old gnarled forests. Born at altitude from a single harvest, old vine field blend, and aged in steel and oak for over a year, this wine tells a story as old as the hills.
Our sommelier describes it thus: open ruby color, complex aroma with notes of exotic wood, anise, bouquet of wild flowers, damp earth and stone minerality. In the mouth, forest notes dominate, combined with a lot of freshness and elegance. Long and persistent finish.
Pairs well with …a creamy, smoky carbonara, a slow roast beef loin, game or meaty fish. Decant and let breathe an hour or so.
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.
Casa de Saima, Reserva Tinto
[grape/vintage] Baga, Touriga Nacional / 2017
[region] Bairrada
This wine has groove. It’s got a deep bass line of Baga with Touriga Nacional on drums. It’s as smooth as Barry White and about as funky. Play it as accompaniment to a late summer bbq or a deep winter dinner party.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: deep red with hints of purple. Soft and velvety on the mouth, elegant with long and authentic finish according to its tradition.
We suggest pairing this with grilled prime red meats like a juicy picanha or t-bone, or a hearty game stew.
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.
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.