The Insider - February 2024
Why is February the month of love? Is it just cuz it’s cold outside? Or is it just that Hallmark moment, a chance to sell you a cheap box of chocolates and dodgy card? Whatever the reason, The Wine Fellas are always ready for a bit of lovin’ and we’re sure you’ll agree that these wines could be any lover’s wingman. Descriptions below, and if you run out, you can order more from The Cellar.
Don’t forget, you can look up past boxes in The Archive.
Quinta do Convento, Tinto
[grape/vintage] Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca / 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 describes it thus: lovely deep ruby color, 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.
Pairs well 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.
Outeiro, Encruzado
[grape/vintage] Encruzado / 2021
[region] Alentejo
Balance and poise defines this classic, award-winning Fernão Pires/Arinto blend, where full de-stemming and almost 4 years in oak barrels lets the grapes express themselves while softening and maturing their stronger urges. Roll it around in your mouth and sense the grapes dancing their way across your palate in a perfect pas-de-deux. Intense and crisp and smooth all at once.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: subtle notes of citrus and white peach. In the mouth it presents a refreshing minerality, yet staying smooth and elegant, with a complex finish.
We suggest pairing this with a grilled fish, chicken piri-piri or a hearty seafood dish like cataplana de marisco.
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 Pinto, Limited Edition Syrah
[grape/vintage] Syrah, Roussanne / 2017
[region] Lisboa
What a story Quinta do Pinto have created here. Confident and audacious (almost all Syrah but with a twist of Rousanne!). It’s a mysterious masked man on a dark desert night. Wrap yourself in his powerful arms. Feel the smooth intensity of his black velvet cloak steeped in earthy oaky scents, dark chocolate and blackberry. Let him slide under your skin and transport you to another place. And fyi, he’s a one-off, limited edition (only 25 bottles left!!!). Don’t let him slip away.
Our sommelier has this to say about it: opaque ruby colour, aromas of black fruit with spicy and chocolate notes. In the mouth, the notes of ripe black fruit are very present and well-combined with spice. Excellent volume with silky persistent tannins creating a feeling of elegance and comfort.
Pairs well with a rich creamy lasagna, sausage and mash, duck à l´orange, or a dense chocolate decadence cake.
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.