Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, Herdade do Mouchão lies near Casa Branca, in the Portalegre sub-region, northeast of Évora. The vineyard stretches across predominantly clay-limestone and alluvial soils, benefiting from a warm, dry climate tempered by continental influences. The vines, planted with Alicante Bouschet and traditional Portuguese varieties, are cultivated at low yields, promoting slow and complete ripening of the grapes. This geographical situation imparts a natural concentration, a lovely freshness, and a distinctly Alentejo character to the wine.
Made from hand-harvested grapes from the Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira vineyards, this wine is produced using traditional methods: the grapes are foot-trodden in stone lagares, where fermentation takes place with extended maceration. After pressing, the wine is transferred to large casks and barrels of Portuguese oak and mahogany for a long, controlled oxidative aging process, before further refinement in the bottle, aimed at preserving the tannic structure, aromatic depth, and aging potential characteristic of the estate.
This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , plum , and blackberry , complemented by spicy touches of black pepper and licorice , as well as woody nuances of cedar and vanilla . Delicate floral notes and a subtle balsamic dimension are also present. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, supported by firm yet polished tannins , balanced acidity, and a long, deep, and persistent finish.
Where are we traveling?
The Alentejo
The Alentejo wine region covers roughly a third of Portugal, located east of Lisbon. This well-known wine region is highly regarded in Portugal for its red wines. Easy-drinking, rich, and fruity, these reds are favorites in Lisbon's cafes and restaurants and can also be found on wine lists throughout the country. Most of the Alentejo consists of rolling plains and gentle hills, with some rugged mountains in the northeast. The Alentejo can be considered the Portuguese wine region that escapes the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and its gently rolling plains are bathed in sunshine during the summer. While there are numerous microclimates, the absence of major climatic barriers gives it a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters.
The little history of the country
Portugal
Portugal's rich history is inextricably linked to its wines, especially its most famous, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still very much alive in modern Portugal. A wonderful holiday in the heart of this country, where Port wines originated, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside, and of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portuguese table wine had already been in high demand since the mid-17th century, primarily by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to the wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began investing in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro region in terms of developing modern-style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved winemaking techniques, and the modernization of the industry are yielding interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous grape varieties (though some are unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for the past two decades. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now bearing fruit, and the new breed of wines, brimming with terroir and fruit, is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's indigenous grape varieties have become its strength. This is good news for those seeking a change from the ubiquitous international grape-based wines. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, east to west, from mountainous to coastal vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from crisp, dry whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.