Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the 2020 Monte da Ravasqueira Guarda Rios Tinto (Alentejano, Portugal) – $13.99 regularly $17.99.
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.
Guarda Rios is the Portuguese name for the Kingfisher bird, which lives in the Alentajano region. This young Tinto is blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Tinta Amarela, and Alicante Bouschet. 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, mint and a tobacco persistent end with ripe tannins. Try with baked salmon, roasted red meats, charcuterie or a selection of strong cheeses.