With this wine, I would like to congratulate Quinta da Alorna, who this month was awarded the best wine producer of the year 2023 by Revista de Vinhos, Portugal’s leading wine magazine.
Quinta da Alorna, where tradition combined with modernity, has almost 300 years of history and has been in the Lopo de Carvalho family for five generations. The Quinta is located on the south bank of the Tagus River and stands out not only for the quality of the wines it produces but also for their agricultural and forestry practices and their natural spaces. Their 160 ha of vineyards are strongly influenced by the river that gives the region its name, Tejo. This river is the dominant element of the region, contributing decisively to the profile of the wines produced there.
The Quinta’s wine cellar brings together unique conditions that are reflected in the quality of the wines they produce.
This wine presented now is not a still wine, but a liqueur wine produced 100% Fernão Pires grape variety.
This grape is one of the most planted white varieties in Portugal, but it is in the Tejo, Lisbon, and Bairrada regions that it assumes greater prominence. A versatile and aromatic variety.
The clarified must, after slight fermentation, is “smothered” with wine spirit, preventing it from continuing to ferment, thus leaving a very large amount of residual sugar. The aging lasts for 5 years in used oak barrels. And after aging, it remains in stainless steel tanks until bottling.
The wine presents a golden yellow color in the glass where strong wine legs appear thanks to the 17,5% alcohol content.
Aromas of honey and dried fruits, especially figs stand out on the nose.
On the palate, the creamy texture and natural sweetness are balanced by fresh acidity. The intense taste of caramel and raisins with hints of vanilla saturates my mouth. The aftertaste is persistent, where the aroma of dried fruits lingers.
It reminds me a bit of sweet lollipops from my childhood. But this is a very smooth, fresh wine.
Should be consumed at a temperature of 10 °C immediately or within the next 20 years.
This wine is perfect by itself as a digestive but also pairs well with sweet desserts such as the world-famous Portuguese Pastel de Nata.
One of the best liqueur wines I have ever tasted!
Do you like dessert wines? Which is your favorite?
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