The wine fair at Apólonia Supermarkets is in full swing and as always, there are many bargains to be bagged.
This is one of the few to be discounted by 50%, from €36.95 to €18.95, and it is something quite special. Herdade da Calada located near Évora can be relied upon to produce consistently high quality wines and this is no exception.
The wine is made from Touriga Franca, a grape that is native to the Douro Valley and also planted by many producers in the Dão and Bairrada regions, but not often seen as far south as the Alentejo. It is used mostly in blends and traditionally it is one of the main varieties used in Port wine.
From what I can gather, Herdade da Calada usually use Touriga Franca in their blends and this 2016 vintage seems to be the only varietal they have made from the grape. The wine when opened seemed a little subdued on the nose but once decanted and given some time to breath it opened up to reveal notes of roses and delicate dark berry fruit on the nose.
In the mouth the wine is elegant and textured with silky smooth tannins along with good acidity adding freshness. The finish is long and dry, outstanding.
By Patrick Stuart
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