This week, we celebrated the day of the Tinta Carvalha grape variety, a residual variety in the vineyard, first referenced in published works between 1800 and 1850.
In its varietal sheet, it’s noted that “The musts have medium alcoholic potential and acidity. Wines have very low color intensity (pink). Sensory analysis reveals a regular quality potential, with a slight aroma of red fruits (currant/raspberry). Its structure and aging potential are low.”
Although traditionally cultivated in the Douro and Dão regions, the Tinta Carvalha grape variety is also found in Alentejo.
And it is there that winemaker António Maçanita produces the only 100% wine of this variety in Portugal. A perplexing wine, which demonstrates the role of this ancient Alentejo vineyard grape variety. Freshness and purity.
From the “Chão dos Eremitas” vineyard, planted in 1970, in a land with 3000 years of winemaking tradition, the grapes go to the winery where they are selected and vinified.
After 12 months of aging in neutral barrels, a very open, ruby-colored Alentejo regional red wine is born, with an intense fresh nose, notes of bitter red fruit, pomegranate, and graphite. Very fine tense attack, elegant, with a lot of depth and tension. A red wine that shows that Alentejo can be something else. A red wine with good acidity. Delicious with fatty fish and stewed meats.
Here’s to Tinta Carvalha with the Chão dos Eremitas Tinta Carvalha red wine, which you can find here!
