Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the 2019 Monte da Ravasqueira Guarda Rios Signature Tinto (Alentejano, Portugal) – $15.99 regularly $19.99).
Amidst the typical Alentejano landscape in Central Portugal, there are the vineyards of Monte da Ravasqueira, about 1.5 hours drive east of Lisbon. The land was acquired in 1943 and mainly produced fruit, with the first plantings of the vineyards was in 1998 with the first wines produced commercially in 2006.
Part of the José de Mello family for three generations now, Monte da Ravasqueira covers an area of about 3000 hectares. In 2012, Pedro Pereira Gonçalves took over winemaking duties with the challenge of rethinking Monte da Ravasqueira’s oenology philosophy and wine profile, betting on a sustained growth of the brand with the aim of making it a revered name in the Alentejo.
The Guarda Rios Signature Tinto is made from Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, and Aragonez. Dark and deep colour. Intense nose with spicy notes and notes of wild berries, forest, and a touch of vanilla. Full of volume to the palate, with a fine structure with notes of chocolate, cinnamon and mint and a persistent end. This full and fruity wine is packed with red berry flavors along with ripe tannins. Try with grilled red meats.