Vale do Rico Homem Grande Reserva, from Alentejo

“For wine enthusiasts, Alentejo is like a trip back in time”, wrote the USA Today.

Having the ‘world’s best wine region to visit’ award, Alentejo is one of the largest Portuguese regions and one of the most appreciated DOC regions in Europe and the world. It’s the land of golden, sun-kissed plains, sprinkled with olive groves and cork trees and, of course, vineyards and cellars.

And this is the unique terroir and an exceptional cellar where all Monte dos Perdigões wines are born. Among them is this Vale do Rico Homem Grande Reserva red wine as well.

It all started in the Vale do Rico Homem Homestead.

The Portuguese name ‘Vale do Rico Homem’ means ‘Valley of Rich Man’ in English.

At the cellar of Monte dos Perdigões, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, art blends with the science of wine.

Handpicked grapes ferment in French oak barrels and in Alentejo marble tanks, famous for their high thermal inertia. The maturation of the reds occurs sur lies in French oak tuns of fine grain and medium toast. After an adequate aging stage in half-barrels, they’re carefully bottled — always using national cork — waiting for the moment of tasting by the most demanding wine enthusiasts.

This wine is a blend of the Syrah, Petit Verdot, Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties, from the vintage of 2016.

Fermented separately in Alentejo marble presses and French oak barrels.

The wine presents a deep granite color with the presence of tears in the glass.

Ripe black fruit aromas, plum and cherry on the nose, with notes of spices, mint, pepper and thyme. Complex aromas with some floral, jammy, tobacco and liqueur notes.

On the palate, ripe fruit flavors are in good concentration, with some elegance. Smooth, creamy taste. The acidity and the careful choice of barrels give it the balance of the wine.

Light structure, juicy and dry, rounded, ripe tannins and medium, controlled acidity. An intense, very aromatic wine with the woody flavor of its aging in oak barrels.

Medium persistent, pleasant finish with a spices aftertaste and some dryness.

A silky, full, typical Alentejo red. Wine for everyday use.

Alcohol content 14,5% vol.

Should serve it at 16-18 °C of temperature.

The intense smoky-sweet flavors beg for a barbecue or grilled vegetables. Darker meats bring out the fruit notes, so pair this wine with lamb, gyros and Indian tandoori. And because of the rich flavors of CabSav, this red goes well with peppery sauces and rich grilled meats as well.