The Connoisseur - September 2024

As we enjoy the final days of summer, winemakers are entering their most intense season – the grape harvest has officially begun! This crucial time represents the peak of a year’s dedication in the vineyards, where the balance of timing and precision will determine the quality of the wine. Grapes must be harvested at the perfect moment, capturing the ideal ripeness unique to each variety and wine style. Winemakers now face the challenge of nature’s unpredictability, relying on their expertise and swift action to turn these carefully nurtured grapes into exceptional wines, setting the stage for the next vintage.

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.

Casa Américo, Alfrocheiro

[grape/vintage] Alfrocheiro / 2018
[region] Dão

The Alfrocheiro grape is native to the Dão region and this monovarietal smells and tastes like the flinty, rocky hills of its motherland. Dense, dark and devilish, it will inspire you either to finally finish that novel you’ve been writing for 20 years or talk nonsense deep into the night.

Pairs well with grilled prime red meats like a juicy picanha or t-bone, or a hearty game stew. Decant for at least two hours.

Read more about it in The Cellar.

QM, Alvarinho

[grape/vintage] Alvarinho/ 2021
[region] Vinho Verde

 

This is a best-seller – price to pleasure ratio is tops. Besides that it’s delicious. We could drink this pretty much any time, any place. Like the man said, it’s gently complex with great legs. You can’t go wrong.

Pairs well by itself, but superb with a lighly-broiled sea-bass, bowl of steamed mussels or even some regional chouriço.

Read more about it in The Cellar.

Ilha do Pico, "Terras de Lava" Merlot

[grape/vintage] Merlot / 2020[region] Ilha do Pico, Açores

It’s pretty hard to find a wine from Pico Wines that we don’t like and this Merlot is no exception. It’s bloody good. Subtle, deep and light all at the same time, it perfectly balances this classic French grape with the rugged landscape and ocean winds of the island. Savor it on your palate. Drink in those vulcanic afternotes and hear the waves crashing on the rocky shore.

Pairs well with white or red meats, mature cheeses, or break the rules and surprise yourself by pairing with a citrus fish or ceviche.

Read more about it in The Cellar.