Red wines from Portugal’s Alentejo region often nip at the heels of red wines from Portugal’s Douro region. António Maçanita’s 2020 Reserva Palpite is up there with some of the best reds from the Douro.
It is a blend of Alicante Bouschet (27%), Aragonez (25%), Castelăo (14%), Tricanderia (14%), Alfrochiero (12%) and 8 % of other grapes. This IG Alentejano clocks in at 14.5%.
You can find this wine in Portugal in the 20 Euro range and that is a steal.
Aroma: Blueberry, blackberry, cassis, cranberry and coal.
Palate: Full tannins with a massive blueberry attack with discrete acidity. Well balanced with a long finish.
Food match: Azorean beef or spicy Azorean limpets or perhaps Azorean crabs in a spicy sauce.
Personality: A tough but suave politician.
Cellarbility: Will improve through to 2028 and cruise past 2030.
In a nutshell: An exceptional red wine from the Alentejo.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 93/100. Robert Parker 93.
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