The Connoisseur - October 2024

The rain is here and the cooler nights are upon us. It’s time to stock pile the firewood, air out the wool blankets, and make sure you’ve got a good supply of wine for the long evenings ahead. We made this month’s selection with harvest time in mind; wines that love to be drunk with an autumn meal like a butter squash soup, a spaghetti carbonara or a roasted farm chicken.

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.

Ribeiro Santo, Rabo de Ovelha

[grape/vintage] Rabo de Ovelha/ 2020
[region] Dão

Sheep’s tail. It doesn’t exactly make you think about wine, or vineyards or fine dining. But take a sip of this delightfully crisp, complex and gastronomic white wine and, we assure you, your mind’s little tail will be blown. It’s a “Fellas Fave” for a reason

Pairs well with……a delicate white fish, grilled shrimp or lobster tail, a spicy ceviche, chicken picatta or tender pork loin.

Musgo, Alfrocheiro

[grape/vintage] Alfrocheiro/ 2020
[region] Dão

Have you ever had “summer pudding”? Classic British dish of stewed raspberries, blackberries, red and black currants, filling a deep bowl of thick farmhouse bread, then pressed and chilled, flipped onto a big platter and served with thick, rich double cream. It’s full of spice and fruit and earthy flavours. This Alfrocheiro is like that: intense berries, great balance of acid and tannins, complex layers, and a nice long finish.

Pairs well with…a whole bunch of dishes. You could try a pork roast, a spicy curry, a mushroom ravioli or squid ink risotto. Get creative!

Quinta do Pinto, Merlot/Syrah

[grape/vintage] Merlot, Syrah/ 2020[region] Lisboa

Harvested at night, fermented together, this harmonious blend of two famous international travelers is a window into a private dance of two passionate lovers. Strong in character, smooth in execution, voluminous in movement! A marriage with spice and depth, drawing inspiration from local soils and filling the air with wafts of black fruits, vanilla, coffee and a hint of cherry. Savour the dance in your mouth, the balance, the poise, the slow long tannic finish down your throat.

Pairs well with……a seared fatty steak, a pheasant stew, any variety of strong, mature cheeses.