The Algarve is Portugals most southerly wine region and is perhaps better known for its beaches, coastal scenery and golf courses than its wine. Production is tiny compared with regions such as the Duoro and Alentejo and you could easily spend time here and not see a vineyard but the wines are everywhere in restaurants and bars. There are four DOC’s (Deominação de Origem Contolada) which are Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira.
Al-Ria Reserva 2016. Algarve. Casa Santos Lima has most of its vineyards north of Lisbon but does have some holdings in the Algarve located near the town of Tavira. This wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah. Fermented in small stainless steel vats it then spent twelve months in French and American oak. The wine has great concentration of colour. There is masses of black fruits with a hint of mint and a nice touch of vanilla. It is rich, smooth and nicely balanced with a lingering spicey blackcurrant finish.
João Clara. Negramole. 2015. Algarve. Negramole was created over 200 years ago by crossing Pinot noir and Grenache and is is the principal grape variety in Madeira. It is a high yielding variety and there are some notable plantings in the Algarve. Quinta João Clara is located in Alcantarilha, close to the town of Silves. This is a rich wine with red berry fruits, fig and dried fruits. There is a touch of sweetness an d a delicate savoury finish
Villa Alvor Tinto. 2018. Algarve. A blend of Touring Nacional, Syrah, Aragonês (Tinta Roriz/Tempranillo) and Trincadeira. Medium bodied with soft plummy fruit and a nice dash of savoury spice. Soft, round and good value for money.
Quinta da Penina. Tinto Reserva. 2016. Algarve. Wines are produced from 22 hectares of vines at the winery near Portimão. This particular wine is a blend of Touring Nacional (55%), Aragonês (30%) and Alicante Bouschet (15%). A big and brooding wine with black fruits, vanilla, caramel and chocolate. Smooth and silky with tannins that are softening. The finish is savoury black fruits.
By contrast the Alentejo is Portugals second largest wine producing region after the Duoro with eight sub region classifications for its wine. Wines can be labelled as Alentejo DOC or Alentejano VR. The DOC wines are subject to stricter rules for their production whereas for the Alentejano classification winemakers have more freedom, especially in the grape varieties they may use. In general red wines of the region are blends which are round and soft which can be drunk young. Often described as easy drinking this does them no disservice at all, it is often exactly what you want in a wine.
Monte de Ravasqueira. Mocho Galego Signature. 2017. Alentejano. Monte de Ravasqueira is located about an hour from Lisbon where they make a large range of wines under a variety of labels. This wine is named after a small owl which is commonly found in the region. It is a blend of Aragonês, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet which has spent six months in new American oak. The wine has masses of soft black fruits with a nice touch of vanilla from the oak. it is smooth and slightly peppery with a nice balance and a touch of mint on the finish.
Monte de Ravasqueira. Guarda Rios. 2018. Alentejano. Named after the Kingfisher this wine is a blend of Aragonês, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet. A real fruit driven, brooding wine with a nice hint of mint. This is soft and smooth with a super vanilla, plum finish.
Monte de Ravasqueira. Coutada Velha. Signature. 2018. Alentejano. A blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Cabernet Sauvignon which has spent eight months in French oak. Black berry fruit, plums, pepper, savoury spice and a nice touch of vanilla from the oak. The palate is full and rich with soft tannins and a nice balance. The finish has a delicate warming spice.
Encostas de Alqueva. Granja Amareleja. 2016. Alentejo. There is lots of smokey black fruits here. The palate is round and silky with plums, spice and vanilla.
Cortes de Cima. Trincadeira. 2015. Alentejano. Fermented for two weeks in stainless steel followed by oak ageing for 8 months with 90% in French and 10% in American oak. Medium bodied with red fruits and a hint of dried herbs and a touch of spice, tannins are soft making this great glass of wine.
Quinta S. José de Peramanca. Pera Grave. 2017. Alentejano. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Aragonês and Alicante Bouschet. Youthful and bursting with rich, opulent fruit. It is perfumed and savoury with a touch of dried fruits. A long, long finish.
