The Enthusiast - August 2024
Whoohoo!!! Summer is finally here! And, as we promised, we’ve stacked your boxes with the perfect accompaniments for sun, sand and seafood. So, no excuses. Bust out the barbie, order some oysters and clams, and soak up the rays before work and school and life remember that you’re supposed to be behaving yourself.
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.
Vidigal, "Bailado" 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 has this to say about it: The colour of smoked salmon on a sunset beach. A rich complex nose hinting at fresh berries and spices. On the palette, well-integrated fruitiness with refreshing acidity that lasts long and easy.
So, no surprise, this one works as an aperitif, or almost anything between April and October, a grilled white fish, a cataplana or even 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.
Dona Paterna, Alvarinho/Trajadura
[grape/vintage] Alvarinho, Trajadura / 2022
[region] Vinho Verde
Clear blue skies over a dazzlingly hot beach. You’ve just spent an hour or two jumping in the sea, your feet are sandy, your mouth is dry. It’s Vinho Verde time! And this Alvarinho/Trajadura blend is the perfect solution to your cotton mouth and goes smashingly well with the bowl of fresh clams that’s just appeared in front of you.
Our sommelier’s thoughts: Clear citrus yellow colour, elegant aroma with hints of pear and nectarine. On the palette, green apple, pear and citrus combine with a delicate effervesence and minerality.
We suggest pairing this with a chargrilled octopus on a bed of roast potatoes, a bowl of clams in lemon and garlic, a soft, pungent goat cheese.
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.
Ribeiro Santo, "Automático" Branco
[grape/vintage] Encruzado / 2022
[region] Dão
This is a fresh lime sliced in half, a sunlit stream gurgling along a stony bed, a light breeze on your face on a hot summer afternoon. It’s piano house bringing the happy vibes and arms in the air. It’s a wine made with little human meddling, letting the grape express itself with joy and verve and simplicity.
Our sommelier has this to say about it: Crystalline colour, with notes of white fruit, citrus and wet stone. On the palate it is fresh and young, with vibrant acidity and a nice full finish. A natural, unoaked and uncomplicated wine, showing the simplicity of the Encruzado variety.
Pairs well with a fresh Caprese salad or salade Niçoise, chicken picata, sushi or a fresh fish grilled on live charcoal.
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.