This could be the setup for a bad joke: three French grapes walk into a bar. But in this case, the bar is in Portugal and the barmen’s Portuguese and he makes them all get along. Which means we get to enjoy a smooth, balanced and unpretentious wine with dark fruit and existential angst from the Syrah, smooth-talking cherry and cranberry from the Merlot, and a floral broodiness from Monsieur Petit Verdot.
What The Sommelier Says
Ruby colour, with elegant aromas of red fruits and dark chocolate, menthol notes and dried tobacco leaves. Good volume, firm tannins and lively acidity providing a long, balanced and harmonious finish.
Pairs well with…
…spaghetti and meatballs, lamb souvlaki, roast veggies, cherry pie.
About The Winemakers
Quinta da Atela, located in Alpiarça, has a rich history dating back to 1346, when it was known as Quinta da Goucha e Atela and owned by Afonso Telo de Menezes, Count of Ourém and Barcelos. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands multiple times, including being owned by a religious order, and later acquired by Isidoro Maria de Oliveira, founder of the Izidoro sausage company, in the late 20th century. After being occupied during the political unrest following the 1974 April 25 Revolution, the estate was returned to its previous owners a decade later. In 2017, entrepreneurs Anabela Tereso and Fernando Vicente of Valgrupo purchased the estate, revitalizing it with a new identity under Anabela’s leadership. Situated on the southern bank of the Tejo River, Quinta da Atela spans 600 hectares, with 150 dedicated to vineyards growing a variety of grapes, including regional favorites like Fernão Pires and Castelão. In addition to producing high-quality wines, the estate has become a premier wine tourism destination, blending wine culture with accommodation and event offerings. This transformation earned Quinta da Atela the “Best Wine Tourism” award in the Tejo region in 2022.
About The Winemakers
Quinta da Atela, located in Alpiarça, has a rich history dating back to 1346, when it was known as Quinta da Goucha e Atela and owned by Afonso Telo de Menezes, Count of Ourém and Barcelos. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands multiple times, including being owned by a religious order, and later acquired by Isidoro Maria de Oliveira, founder of the Izidoro sausage company, in the late 20th century. After being occupied during the political unrest following the 1974 April 25 Revolution, the estate was returned to its previous owners a decade later. In 2017, entrepreneurs Anabela Tereso and Fernando Vicente of Valgrupo purchased the estate, revitalizing it with a new identity under Anabela’s leadership. Situated on the southern bank of the Tejo River, Quinta da Atela spans 600 hectares, with 150 dedicated to vineyards growing a variety of grapes, including regional favorites like Fernão Pires and Castelão. In addition to producing high-quality wines, the estate has become a premier wine tourism destination, blending wine culture with accommodation and event offerings. This transformation earned Quinta da Atela the “Best Wine Tourism” award in the Tejo region in 2022.
Region: Tejo
Region: Tejo
Tejo (until 2009 called Ribatejo), is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Portugal, the first vines here dating as far back as Roman times. The region is strongly influenced by the River Tejo which keeps the climate temperate, and along whose alluvial plains most vines are grown. White wines tend to have high acidity with floral and tropical notes; reds are aromatic with smooth tannins.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet