The Connoisseur - September 2025
It’s back to school, back to work and back to basics for the Glass Half Full Club with two reds and a white, carefully chosen to fit perfectly with the slow march towards autumn – a light touch here, complexity there, and some full-bodied character in the back.
As always, 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.
Infinitude, "Indie" Pinot Noir
[grape/vintage] Pinot Noir / 2024
[region] Lisboa
Like Tinkerbell dancing around the rigging of Captain Hook’s pirate ship, this Pinot Noir tickles and teases with the of lightest of gossamer touches. A sprinkling of peppery fairy dust from her fingers, a magical swish of cherry and raspberry from her wings, a naughty pull on Hook’s beard and she’s vanished into the ether leaving a deliciously delicate and suggestive finish.
Goes really well roasted duck, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or earthy game dishes like pheasant and partridge.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Herdade da Amada, Reserva Branco
[grape/vintage] Roupeiro, Arinto, Fernão Pires / 2022
[region] Alentejo
Opening night. Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf”.The lights dim, the conductor lifts his baton. A flute darts in—bright and playful, all fresh citrus and cool breeze. The oboe follows with a touch of tropical warmth, while the strings shimmer softly underneath, adding minerality and poise. Then the clarinet, smooth and round, and the bassoon grounding it all with a quiet, resonant depth.
It’s Peter and the Wolf in a bottle: each voice distinct, yet blending perfectly into something lively, elegant and complete. Fresh pineapple and white peach at the top, mineral notes running through, and a subtle undertone of toast and spice carrying the melody to a long, graceful finish.
Pairs well with a fresh grouper baked to perfection with lemon and a hint of rosemary, fettuccine with black truffle cream sauce or a Thai coconut chicken curry.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Rapariga da Quinta, Reserva Tinto
[grape/vintage] Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês, Touriga Nacional / 2021
[region] Alentejo
It’s late afternoon in a summer orchard. Fig trees, plum trees and a scattering of blackberry bushes. Heat, barely a breath of wind, the buzzing of insects, a bird chirping nearby. Ancient dolmen stones lie scattered about among the cork trees. All this is smoothly, expertly bottled up in this delicious, full-bodied blend by Luis Duarte and his family. Open, let breathe, serve slightly below room temperature, and taste the rocky soil and blue skies of the Alentejo.
Pairs well with a big fat sausage off the grill, dripping in fat or a classic Alentejano cake covered in rich plum sauce. Decant and let it open up a little before serving.
Check it out in The Cellar.
