Tasting notes:
Alabastro Alentejano. Lifted aromas of black fruits, a rich, spicy palate with juicy ripe fruit, supple tannins and fresh finish.
Food Pairing:
Drink with lamb stew or slow-cooked ratatouille drenched in fruity olive oil.
Producer/Region:
One of Portugal’s largest and most progressive producers. With 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. Winemaker Francisco Antunes oversees what must be one of the most diverse ranges in Europe. From the 3rd largest Portuguese rose brand (Casal Mendes) to some of the country’s most impressive premium reds from estates in Douro, Dao, Bairrada and Alentejo. Arguably, Francisco’s greatest achievements lie between these extremes, a range of mid-priced wines from native varieties, full of character, quite distinctly Portuguese. But at the same time approachable and with fresh, modern fruit.
Aliança has been part of Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal since 2007. And all wines are now being brought under the Bacalhôa name.
Since 2015 the Bacalhôa group is regularly audited for the scope of its ethical, social and environmental work, always with a green result. They are members of the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme (WASP). This certification is the guarantee that an independent evaluation, by a third party credited to the Portuguese Quality System. And confirms that good sustainability practices have been implemented across the vineyard, cellar and wine production.
For more information about the producer:Â https://bacalhoa.pt/
Vinification: Alabastro Alentejano
A combination of hand and machine-picked grapes are sourced from Alianca’s own vineyards in the Alentejo region in the south-east, not far from the Spanish border. Here low yielding, old vines are tended traditionally from plantings on clay soils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats controlled at 30 degrees for 6 days with extended maceration on the skins to extract sufficient colour, fruit and tannins. The wine is matured in tank for a few months before bottling.
