There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The 2018 Reserva was thick black with little or no light getting through, more "body" than the 2021. uk accepts no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products by manufacturers or other third parties. Pure Alicante Bouschet is rare in the cooler Lisboa region, but this wine certainly reveals much of the richness and intense fruit that makes this grape so popular among producers. Aluado 2019 is a rich, velvety red, great solo or served with roast meats (try lamb or pork) or a herby casserole.

It is here that the great winemaker, José Neiva Correia, created the idea of Aluado in a moonstruck moment. Here, he keeps a watchful eye on the vineyards, where plenty of sun and cooling Atlantic breezes help grapes ripen slowly, boosting the development of aromatic and flavor complexity. Winning Gold medals almost every vintage, Jose makes the wine at his family estate, Quinta de Porto Franco, just north of Lisbon. Velvety, black fruit Alicante plays a minor role in many of Portugal’s reds, but José Neiva Correia decided to give it centre stage.

So ask for it, they they say they don’t have it ask if them for another wine you can’t pronounce, or walk out singing “it’s all about the grape, bout the grape”. The closest I could get was this 2021 Aluado Alicante Bouchet but it does not carry the accolade "Reserva" and although easy drinking and enjoyable it is not as rich and fruity as the 2018. The wine Maker is Jose Neiva Correia, who’s known in Portugal as MISTER WINE, and is owner with his brothers and sisters and is Chief wine maker at DFJ Vinhos. This fantastic red wine has notes of ripe damson and blackberry, mocha, exotic spice, freshness too. Folks this is a red meat wine and if you are looking for a wine for that summer steak barbecue, this is the wine.

The Alicante Bouschet grapes grow at José’s Quinta do Porto Franco estate, 40 miles north of Lisbon. Alicante Bouschet in the coastal Lisboa region is more restrained than it is in Alentejo, so the wine is crisp as much as ripe, with attractive red berry fruits and soft tannins.

Inky black Alicante Bouschet is usually found in Portuguese red blends, there to add deep colour and black fruit flavours. Of course by the time I drank the Aluado 2018 Alicante Bouchet "Reserva" it was no longer available much to my great dismay. For wine explorers looking for style, originality and boldness in their choices, Aluado is the ‘moonstruck’ take on a classic red-fleshed grape. Following on from last year's triple Gold medal triumph, José again used grapes from his own historic estate, Quinta de Porto Franco, which dates back to the 12th century and is thought to be the oldest vineyard in Alenquer.

After the alcoholic fermentation, the cap is plunged for 30 days, and during that period, extraction of the gentle tannins is conducted, along with the malolactic fermentation and the natural stabilization of the wine. Alicante Bouschet produces some of the world’s deepest coloured wines and is often used to enhance Portugal’s top reds. I am enjoying the 2021 but when a glass full is held up to a light, you can just about see the light coming through the wine. Whilst sceptics initially laughed at the idea, it was Jose and his Aluado that triumphed, as these excellent, original wines attest. The driver will input your year of birth into their device and may then require an ID check to complete the age verification process.A legend of Portuguese wine, he combines generations of tradition with an inquisitive spirit undimmed at 60+ years of age. Wine Award’) by the country’s top wine magazine, in recognition for his major contributions to Portuguese wine. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. A legend of Portuguese wine, he combines generations of tradition with an inquisitive spirit undimmed at 60-plus years of age. We’re a little less rock ‘n’ roll than one man in a van these days, but we still go direct to the producers and still know every single one of them personally.