The Alentejo is where Portugal’s climate escapes the Atlantic influence, and the scenery changes to large, gently undulating plains that experience baking hot summers and cold winters. This is the least populated of Portugal’s regions, and instead of agricultural smallholdings the Alentejo has many large estates, dominated by wonderful whitewashed montes punctuating the landscape.
The climate varies significantly between those regions broadly south of Evora, such as Vidigueira enjoying the hottest, driest conditions, and those further north around Estremoz where cool, damp mists are common. The Alqueva dam, which has created Western Europe's largest lake, is proving to be tempering the hottest of summer days and bringing increased moisture.
The region's principal black grapes are Aragonez (Tempranillo) and the fragrant Trincadeira, along with the tannic Touriga Nacional and intensely dark coloured Alicante Bouschet. For whites there are some super, fresh wines being made with Antao Vaz and Arinto.
Tasting notes: This is an admirably fruity wine made from the indigenous varieties Aragonez, Tincadeira and Alicante Bouschet. The soft ripeness of the Aragonez is complemented by the fragrance of Trincadeira, and the edges softened by a short maturation in second use barrels. Great everyday stuff.
Tasting notes: The 2006 Reserva is a blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional. This wine is only made in the best vintages, and with the best fruit from the vintage, so the components change over time.
Superb fruit intensity and beautifully fine, integrated tannins characterise this exceptional wine. The defined minerality keeps the wine fresh, while 10 months in new oak has helped to add a mocha complexity.
Tasting notes: Predominantly Aragonez, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet, this wine also has a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon completing the blend. Powerful and dense berry fruits combine with good integrated oak characters from 6 months spent in barrel. Meaty tannins will ensure that this continues to develop further in bottle.
