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Alentejo / Southern Region
Some 20 years ago, there were very few vineyards in Southern Portugal and no
one took its wines seriously. That's history! The
Alentejo is one of Portugal's
most exciting wine-producing regions today, with both large and small producers
creating wines that are delicious, food friendly and thought-provoking. The
Alentejo plains cover almost a third of continental Portugal. The region
stretches all the way form the coast, eastwards to the frontier with Spain. The
moderating influence of the Atlantic diminishes sharply inland and during the
summer, rainfall is at its lowest. In complete contrast to the northern
regions of Portugal, the Alentejo is divided into large estates, some of which
are many hundreds of hectares in size. Population is sparse and cultivation is
extensive with vineyards tending to be concentrated around small towns and
villages. The Alentejo also produces a large proportion of the world's cork.
Red and white wines made from healthy grapes share ripe fruity aromas and
flavors. White wines are crisp and fresh having benefited greatly from
technological improvements in recent years.
Monte das Ânforas 2002
30.00
This is a round, mellow wine with hints of red
fruit jam, raspberry and balanced tannins. Monte das Ânforas is a delightful
accompaniment to meats and cheeses with a long, lingering finish. Grapes:
Aragonês, Trincadeira, Alfrocheiro and Castelão.
Vinha do Monte 2002
32.00
This wine is quite similar to a Merlot, but produced from noble and local
grape varieties. Characterized by an intense ruby color, its nose is spicy and
floral. On the palate it has notes of soft red fruits with a tinge of vanilla
and coconut, due to its six-month maturation in oak casks. Good balance between
acids and tannins, it has a clean and soft finish and pairs well with poultry,
red meats and rabbit. Grapes: Aragonês and Castelão Francês.
Herdade de Santa Marta 1999
34.00
A medium-bodied wine with a complex nose of cherries, cassis, roasted plums
and toasty oak. Creamy-sweet on the palate, it offers delicious raspberry
fruit, integrated tannins and a strong, youthful finish. It goes really well
with red meats. Grapes: Periquita, Alfrocheiro, Aragonês, Trincadeira Preta and
Moreto.

Tapada do Chaves Reserva 1997
42.00
This wine has a light ruby color turning towards a light orange with violet
reflections. It reminds us of freshly damp soil, immediately following a short
burst of rain. On the nose, it has notes of leather, raisins, dry herbs and
coffee. On the palate, the fruit is quite muted, but still present, as the wine
begins to show its maturity - in this case, a rather pleasant tasting
experience. Its acidity is balanced and brings out the fruit (black cherries).
Grapes: Aragonês, Trincadeira and Tinta Cão.
Sogrape Reserva Alentejo 2001
44.00
This young wine exhibits a deep red color and some purple on the edge. Its
bouquet is a potpourri of spices, raisins, plums and chocolate. Aged in new
Portuguese oak barrels, it has soft tannins but with good structure and rich
red fruit on its lingering finish. Grapes: Aragonês, Trincadeira and
Alfrocheiro.
Cortes de Cima 2001
45.00
This wine has rich, deep concentrated red color
with purple hues. On the nose it has notes of spices, mature, red berry and
plum fruits, with smoky notes of tar and leather. The palate is rich with
sweet, chocolatey fruit, and subtle, complex, toasty oak. The tannins are firm,
and its finish is long and persistent. Grapes: Aragonês, Trincadeira, Syrah and
Touriga Nacional.
Esporão Reserva 2002
50.00
This complex dark garnet wine has aromas of vanilla and ripe berries. It has
a flavorsome palate, good depth of fruit and is well structured with robust
tannins. It pairs well with codfish, heavier cheeses and meat dishes. Grapes:
Trincadeira, Aragonês and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Quinta do Carmo 2000
57.00
Aged for one year in French oak barrels, this delicious, well-balanced wine
has a complex, smoky nose of tobacco, leather and spices. The fruit
(blackberry) is hidden behind a "wall" of vanilla and nutmeg; only to reveal
itself a few minutes after the wine has been open. Medium to full bodied, with
good acidity and elegantly integrated tannins, it's a pleasure to enjoy its
lingering finish. Grapes: Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Castelão,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Cartuxa Colheita 1998
55.00
Garnet describes its color, with a long and full nose, enhanced by the oak
used to enrich its qualities on the palate; this medium dry wine is smooth,
slightly acid, complex and harmonious by the round tannins. Grapes: Periquita,
Aragonês, Trincadeira, Moreto and Alfrocheiro.
Cartuxa Reserva 1999
64.00
As described in its name, this "reserve" has been aged longer and exhibits a
deep red color and an elegant bouquet suggesting light spices, raisins, plums,
chocolate, light leather and current. On the palate, herbs, oak, plums, currant
and black fruit provide a very dry, full-bodied wine with a long and firm
finish. Grapes: Periquita, Aragonês, Trincadeira, Moreto and Alfrocheiro.
Quinta da Terrugem 1999
65.00
This wine has a deep garnet color and aromas of ripe berries. On the palate,
it exhibits exceptional jammy fruit and a touch of vanilla. Well structured, it
has soft tannins and an ultimate lingering finish. It is a pleasant
accompaniment to red meat, cheeses and game. Grapes: Aragonês, Trincadeira.
Baron de B 2001
66.00
Produced at the charming Herdade da Calada winery, this medium to
full-bodied wine has beautiful a garnet color. Its nose is floral, with notes
of chocolate, tobacco leaf and vanilla. On the palate, it has notes of black
cherries, complemented by beautifully integrated tannins leading to a long and
pleasant finish. Grapes: Aragonês, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and Cabernet
Sauvignon.
Tinto da Ânfora Grande Escolha 2001
68.00
The designation "Grande Escolha" means great selection
and is attributed to
wines of exceptional quality such as this one. This complex dark garnet wine
has a touch of vanilla on the nose and reminds us of a great wine from
Bordeaux. On the palate, it has flavors of plums, berries and toasty,
chocolatey oak. With balanced tannins and good acidity, it is a delicious
accompaniment to codfish and meat dishes. Grapes: Trincadeira, Aragonês,
Castelão, Alicante Bouschet and Alfrocheiro.

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