I had the pleasure of visiting Magnum wines in Portugal a few years ago. A very commercial winery in comparison to most of the other Dão wineries I visited. I remember well the commercial Christmas cases and displays. So nontraditional for most of Portugal at the time. Good quality wines at different price points corresponding to a few “brands”.
This wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional (40%), Alfrochiero (30%) and Tinta Roriz (30%).
Aroma: Blackberry, black cherry, blueberry with an overlay of smoked meat and dark chocolate.
Palate: Brusque, scratchy, rough and tumble but not coarse. Full mouthfeel and some friction on the after palate you’d expect more from a white Dão Encruzado. Granitic soils at work. Medium finish.
Personality: No nonsense down to business. Plays all its cards on the table now. Honest as aged in stainless steel but it reminds one just a bit more of concrete perhaps attributable to the granitic soils of the area imparting some steeliness to the wine. Apparent and in your face.
Food Match: For a French bistro wine this is your wine. Move over Côtes du Rhône! Rabbit at my favourite traditional Portuguese “bistro” in Porto Abadia do Porto or perhaps Tripas à Modu do Porto in which case the wine should be served chilled.
Cellarbility: Drink by 2026-year end.
Price: $17 CDN.
RKS 2025 Wine Rating: 89/100.
(Cota 700 2022, Dåo D.O.C., Magnum Wines, Carregal do Sal, Portugal, 750 ml, 13%).
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