Everything has gone up in price so much over recent times and this is particularly evident to the price of wine on supermarket shelves.
So when I saw this new arrival in at Apolonia Supermarket last weekend costing €11.99 I was conscious of the fact that this is a wine that would probably have cost less than 10 euros a couple of years ago.
I was drawn to it by the fact that it comes from where most of my favourite Alentejo wines are made, high up in the Serra de São Mamede hills in the upper reaches of the Alentejo.
Convento Reserva is made from old vines located 600 metres above sea level, a field blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira along with other varieties.
This is an inviting, easy drinking and classy red with loads of upfront forest fruit on the nose and a touch of spice from minimal oak work, medium bodied in the mouth with well-polished tannins and a nice medium-dry finish. Excellent value for money and a great partner for BBQ meats.
