Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, Herdade do Mouchão lies near Alvega, in the Portalegre sub-region, an inland area of Portugal characterized by a hot, dry climate tempered by the influence of the Serra de São Mamede mountain range. The vines are planted in predominantly clay-limestone and alluvial soils, which promote good water retention and a slow, even ripening of the grapes. This combination of warmth, cooler nights, and diverse terroirs results in generous, concentrated wines with a beautiful natural freshness.
Made from old vines in Alicante Bouschet, hand-harvested at full maturity, this fortified wine is produced by fermentation in traditional vats before being fortified with grape brandy to preserve some of the grapes' natural sugars. After fermentation is stopped, it is aged for an extended period in the estate's old oak barrels, in the property's cool cellars, until it reaches the desired balance of power, smoothness, and aromatic complexity before bottling.
This wine reveals notes of dried fruit , candied fig , and currant , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of orange blossom and spicy nuances of cinnamon and nutmeg. Woody accents recalling vanilla and caramel mingle with a subtle balsamic dimension. On the palate, the wine is full and velvety, carried by a generous sweetness balanced by sufficient freshness, with a glycerine texture and a long, warm, 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.