The Insider - May 2024
We’re teasing your beach vibes this month with some sunshine-friendly wines. If you’re not already in the mood, here’s our advice: a linguine al vongole, a mushroom pizza, a sole meuniere (it’s not as hard as you think!) or just a roast chicken from the local churrasqueira.
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.
Quintas de Melgaço, "Nature"
[grape/vintage] Alvarinho / 2022
[region] Vinho Verde
They called it “Nature” but they could call it “Naked”. Its like a dew-draped dryad dancing in an ancient oak forest, horny satyrs prancing among the magic mushrooms. It’s the purest essence of Alvarinho. Its crisp and bright and deep and sexy, and it lingers on the palate with ripples of citrus and stone and a tantalising tease of honeysuckle.
Our sommelier describes it thus: Mineral aromas of chipped stone and wet sand, citrus peel and pulp, with a soft note of linden flower. In the mouth it is broad and structured, with a fresh citrus bite on the lips, a deep creaminess in the back of the throat and a long finish.
Pairs well with grilled langoustine on a bed of paella rice; linguini al vongole, truffle pizza, a spicy Thom Yum soup or sea bass with steamed bok choi.
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.
Casa de Saima, Baga/Pinot Noir Rosé
[grape/vintage] Baga, Pinot Noir / 2022
[region] Bairrada
If you look at a maraschino cherry through an old brass telescope while standing on the deck of a big old ship of the line, you know like from Master and Comander, and someone holds a bouquet of dried flowers under your nose, you’ll get an idea of the complexity, subtlety and classiness of this clever rosé wine made from Baga and Pinto Noir grapes.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: A bright pink color with salmon hues and a clear, crystalline appearance. On the nose, sober and classy, with delicate floral notes. On the palette, exuberant and fresh, presenting an elegant acidity in perfect combination with its fruity and floral nature.
We suggest pairing this with something fresh and bright but with a bit of grit, like steamed muscles or razor clams; also goes great with some salty tapas like pimentos padrão, a pincho of manchego or boquerones.
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.
Terra d'Alter, Telhas Tinto
[grape/vintage] Syrah, Viognier / 2020
[region] Alentejo
A whitewashed church with a red tiled roof in that classic Iberian style stands solid and imposing against a bright blue sky. Its heavy wooden door beckons you inside, a refuge from the intense heat of the Alentejo plain. Inside it is cool, and dry and filled with rich smells of blackberry jam, old leather, sweet oak and some old black tobacco that the prelate keeps underneath his cassock. Is it a sin to drink the sacramental wine?
On the nose, hints of violets, ground pepper, roast meat and tar. On the mouth, exotic flavors of woods and oriental spices with ripe red fruits. Very tasty finish with notes of ceder and vanilla.
Pairs well with a roast shoulder of lamb or classic British Sunday roast; or something rich and creamy and tangy like bacalhau com natas or a plate of strong, buttery Alentejo sheep’s cheese.
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.