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WINES OF PORTUGAL
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Vila Santa Reserva (VR Alentejano)
The flagship wine that launched João Portugal Ramos winery, the Vila Santa Reserva blend marries
Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, and Cabernet Sauvignon. After harvest, part of
the yield is foot-trodden in marble troughs, known as lagares, and the remainder is fermented in stainless
steel tanks. The blend is aged for twelve months in French oak barrels. With an intense garnet color in the
glass, the aromas suggest ripe black fruits blending beautifully with the spicy character imparted by the
barrels. On the palate, it is elegant and full-bodied, with soft tannins.
2013:
90 WA |
2012:
90 WS |
2011:
91 WA |
2010:
90 WA |
2009:
90 WE
Quinta da Viçosa (VR Alentejano)
| Keen-Ta Dah Viss-Oh-Sa |
Quinta da Viçosa is one of João Portugal Ramos’s biggest vineyards, with one hundred acres near
Estremoz. A different blend is used every vintage of this wine, combining one indigenous grape with
one foreign. For example, the 2009 vintage was made of 50 percent Trincadeira and 50 percent Syrah,
and the 2011 vintage was 50 percent Touriga Nacional and 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Part of
the harvest is foot-trodden in marble troughs, known as lagares, and the remainder is fermented in
temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for twelve months in new French barriques.
The final product is intense garnet in color, with aromas of ripe red fruit, vanilla, and spice. Beautifully
complex with velvety smooth tannins, the finish is long and persistent.
2012:
91 WE, 91 WA |
2011:
91 WA |
2009:
92 WA
Marques de Borba Tinto (DOC Alentejo)
This wine is a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional grown in limestone
and schist soils. Fully de-stemmed bunches go through temperature-control fermentation, followed by
six to eight months in second-year small French oak barrels. The wine has excellent aromatic
concentration, with intense aromas of berries, cassis and preserves. Smooth tannins are balanced with
acidity and ripe fruit.