Is there an offensive launched by Portugal’s Alentejo region these days in Ontario? Is the Douro taking it on the chin? Alentejano reds completely outnumber whites and while they may utilize mostly indigenous grapes the Alicante Bouschet grape features predominantly in the red blends. Alicante Bouschet is a cross of Grenache and Petit Bouschet crossed in France by Henri Bouschet in the mid 1880’s. It is thick skinned, a high yielder and deeply coloured. Alicante Bouschet has been used for decades in Southern France to give light red wines more colour.
In this instance we have a Terra Lenta red being a blend of Trincadeira, Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet.
Aroma: Blackberry, red cherry, cactus pear, blueberry with a hint of milk chocolate.
Palate: Moderate broad-based tannins. Tight structure. Tightly wound fruit. Blueberry, pomegranate and a titch of dark chocolate and a peppery twist.
Personality: Effusive personality if you judge me by aroma alone. Once I splash on your tounge I clam up and hide my fruit like a drug trafficker desperately flushing down his dope when the police battering ram strikes his door.
Food Match: Canned salmon and 35% cream added to a sauce of garlic, scallions, caned tomatoes, basil, oregano and vodka just before that sauce is fully cooked. I used to use smoked salmon but wild Alaskan canned salmon is just as good if not better believe it or not.
Cellarbility: Can’t see any improvement with age. Drink before 2025.
Price: $13.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 90/100. Rod Phillips 91/100.
(Terra Lenta Premium Vinho Tinto 2020, Alentejo D.O.C. , Carmim, Reguenos de Monsaraz, Portugal, 750 mL, 14.5%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 646083).
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