WINE WEDNESDAY: 2005 Montefino Tinto Reserva, Vinho Regional Alentejano

WINE WEDNESDAY: 2005 Montefino Tinto Reserva, Vinho Regional Alentejano 150 150 David Rosengarten

2005 Montefino Tinto Reserva, Vinho Regional Alentejano ($16)

Montefino-Tinto-Reserva-2005-LabelWell, the Portuguese grape varieties are not so well-known (one-quarter each of Trincadeira, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional). Nor is the region very well-known, except to Portuguese wine fans (the Alentejo, a big region just southeast of Lisbon, that goes all the way back to the Spanish border). But the wine’s a hit, nevertheless—especially if you’re looking for some aged character in a red that won’t cost an arm and a leg! Soupy, dark juice: still quite purple, with faint black-brown tones creeping in. Gorgeous nose upon opening. Concentrated, reduced fruit, with emphasis on raspberry jam. Notes of white truffle as well. With a little air, more tertiary, earthy notes creep in—just like a major aged red! This nose might lead you to expect something weighty on the palate—and the wine ain’t light—but there’s surprising gracefulness here. It’s a bright, lively mouthful, with refreshing acidity, and a moderately long finish of dried fruit.

Wine4Food

Richer than, say, most Burgundy, lighter than most California red—it’s in a sweet spot for food, absolutely wonderful for wintry stews.

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image: WinesofPortugal.info

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