Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points “This estate wine from this family property in the heart of the Lisboa region is structured with refined tannins and swathes of ripe black fruits. Fermented in open lagars and then aged for 18 months in wood, it has spice, a dense structure and the ability to age further.”

Quinta de Chocapalha Tinto is a blend of indigenous Portuguese varietals sourced from 16th century vineyards with calcareous and clay soils 28 miles northwest of Lisbon. The harvested grapes are de-stemmed and undergo a pre-fermenting maceration at low temperatures for 12 hours for extraction. Fermentation is accomplished over 10 days in lagares (traditional open vats) with successive pressings by machine and in stainless steel vats. Slow aging and malolactic fermentation occur over 18 months in used French oak barriques.

This is a splendid complement to grilled portabella mushroom or beef burgers or spicy beef stir fry!