The Enthusiast - June 2024
So many parties. Not enough time! Summer is here and the invitations are flooding the inbox and chat groups. So, what better way to impress your hosts with your sophisticated tastes than to show up with a bottle from your latest Wine Fellas box. Or, better yet, host your own party and you don’t have to lift a finger: the wine and guests come direct to your door.
Wine 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.
QM, Loureiro/Alvarinho
[grape/vintage] Loureiro, Alvarinho / 2023
[region] Vinho Verde
A misty morning among low wooded hills, a lazy river winding its way below vineyards laden with small, round, pale green grapes. Wildflowers and fruit trees fill the air with rich, heady scents of summer. The sun slowly rises over the horizon and warms the landscape with a soft golden glow.
Our sommelier describes it thus: A clear but deep citrine colour. On the nose, floral and fruity with exotic spice notes. A full body, with well-balanced acidity and a long finish.
Pairs well with itself, crisp and cold, as an aperitif, or alongside a meaty, flakey sea bass baked with lemon and olive oil, a shrimp pasta or chicken picata.
Vinho Verde is known for its light, refreshing wines, known for their low alcohol content and slight effervescence. The soil is predominantly granite, which helps to retain moisture and gives the wines a unique minerality.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Vidigal, "Bailado" Pinot Noir Rosé
[grape/vintage] Pinot Noir / 2021
[region] Lisboa
This dusky-coloured, smooth yet spicy rosé is as mysterious and magical as a vintage Citroën 2CV parked on the cliffs above Praia Grande at sunset.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: The colour of smoked salmon on a sunset beach. A rich complex nose hinting at fresh berries and spices. In the mouth, well-integrated fruitiness with refreshing acidity that lasts long and easy.
We suggest pairing this with itself as an aperitif, or almost anything between April and October: a grilled white fish, a cataplana, pepperoni pizza or roast quail.
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.
Anexo, Tinto
[grape/vintage] Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês, Trincadeira / 2021
[region] Lisboa
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.