The Insider - December 2024

Hello December! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…lots of wine and mince pies and baked bacalhau! We’ve all got our favourite holiday cuisine and The Fellas have picked three wines to slide right in there with your “lütvisk” or your “oliebollen” or your “turducken”.

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.

Quinta Várzea da Pedra, Macerado Branco

[grape/vintage] Alicante Branco, Arinto, Fernão Pires, Malvasia Rei, Moscatel-Graúdo, Seara Nova, Viosinho e Vital / 2022
[region] Lisboa

A Sunday Times crossword, a hand carved wooden puzzle, a Sphinx’s riddle. This “orange” wine requires thoughtful patience and an open mind to let its mutliple layers and angles melt into harmony on your palate. A multi-grape blend from different plots combines into a symphony of tree fruits, fresh herbs, earth and flowers.

Pairs well with almond crusted sea bass, a hearty ciopino, roast quail with thyme and rosemary, an aged gouda or quiejo de cabra.

Vinha de Santa Maria, Reserva Especial, Tinto

[grape/vintage] Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional / 2017

[region] Dão

Deep garnet color. Dark berries and deep complexity with well integrated oak. On the palate it shows intense concentration, with firm tannins and great structure. It’s acidity gives the wine freshness and balance and a very long finish. The power and elegance of Dão in perfect harmony. This wine will age beautifully.

Pairs well with a roasted lamb with sweet potatoes , arroz de carreteiro, manchego cheese.

Casa de Saima, Reserva Tinto

[grape/vintage] Baga, Touriga Nacional / 2017

[region] Bairrada

This wine has groove. It’s got a deep bass line of Baga with Touriga Nacional on drums. It’s as smooth as Barry White Wine and about as funky. Play it as accompaniment to a late summer bbq or a deep winter dinner party.

Pairs well with a grilled prime red meats like a juicy picanha or t-bone, or a hearty game stew.