Grape expectations | Negra Mole is not only one of the oldest grape varieties in the Algarve but also a true treasure of Portuguese viticulture, with a rich history and characteristics that make it special.
It is a unique variety, producing wines of various styles, from reds that are open, elegant and full of personality to the famous Algarvian Palhetes and Clarets.
The wines produced with Negra Mole are known for their lightness and offer an elegant aromatic profile, notes of fresh red fruits and a floral touch. In the mouth, the soft tannins and balanced acidity provide a pleasant and refreshing tasting experience.
This grape variety is also suitable for the production of fortified wines, such as the famous Madeira.
The Negra Mole grape is an Algarve heritage that deserves to be preserved. By drinking these wines, we are also valuing the Algarve’s tradition and history.
Try it for yourself!
Can’t taste these wines in your country? Then it’s time to travel here to discover the fabulous wines of the Algarve!
I am happy to share that my new article has been already published in the October issue of the Algarve Plus Magazine in Portugal.
The magazine is readable online or downloaded for free here.
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Or read here my whole article:
Negra Mole
Negra Mole is not only one of the oldest grape varieties in the Algarve but also a true treasure of Portuguese viticulture, with a rich history and characteristics that make it special.
The cooler days are starting to arrive, which leads many consumers to increase their consumption of red wines, which are always more associated with colder days.
However, there is a Portuguese grape variety, more specifically from the Algarve, that produces reds with extraordinary lightness and freshness, producing wines that are full-bodied and structured, but at the same time uncomplicated enough to be the perfect companion on the hottest days as well.
Although statistics reveal that the taste of most consumers is divided between the Alentejo and the Douro, there is also a curious interest in wine regions that are geographically further apart from them.
Today we stay in the south of Portugal to know why wine lovers want to add Algarve wines to their portfolios.
The Negra Mole is a unique grape variety in the world, which grows in the Algarve region and produces wines of various styles, from reds, which as we have already said are open, elegant and full of personality, to the famous and typical Algarve Palhetes and Clarets. A distinctive grape variety that has been arousing the interest of consumers.
History
According to studies, Negra Mole, which is the queen grape variety in the Algarve has the greatest varietal richness found in old vineyards in Portugal, due to the fact that wine has been part of the Algarve culture for over 2,000 years. In fact, this is the second oldest Portuguese grape variety (after Cercial), with the greatest genetic variability, with white and colored clones.
Adapted to the warm climate and soil conditions of the region, this grape variety plays a crucial role in the production of Algarve wines. In the 1980s, Negra Mole represented 75% of the Algarve vineyards.
Despite having been the most widely planted grape variety in the Algarve region, winemakers tended to abandon its production, losing their representativeness. Very recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in this grape variety and in these wines. However, the existing vineyards with Negra Mola plantations date back to the 1950s and there is no indication of new plantations.
Grape
This is a very interesting grape variety with a unique characteristic: the bunches are medium-sized and the berries are large, slightly flattened, with an uneven color. This extremely diverse grape can produce red, white and pink berries within the same bunch. The skin is medium-thick and the flesh is soft. As it is a late-ripening variety, resistant to drought, it can be susceptible to Botrytis in case of rain.
Wines
Wines produced with Negra Mole are known for their lightness. It usually produces a Pinot Noir-type wine, with an open color, from pink to light ruby, largely because the bunches do not all have the same hue. Its wine offers an elegant aromatic profile, notes of fresh red fruits, and a floral touch. In the mouth, a medium-bodied wine, with soft tannins and balanced acidity, providing a pleasant and refreshing tasting experience.
This grape is the base for the region’s famous Palhetes and Clarets, wines with a very bright red color, that are drunk slightly chilled and are pairing perfectly with the heat and gastronomy of the Algarve.
Pairing
Negra Mole wines are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed alone or with light dishes. They pair wonderfully with grilled fish, white meats, tapas, soft cheeses and pizzas. Their lightness also makes them an excellent choice for hot summer days.
Madeira
This variety is also suitable for the production of fortified wines, such as the famous Madeira.
The grape achieved great prestige in the 1900s after the phylloxera plague devastated the vineyards of Europe. With traditional Madeiran vines such as Sercial, Terrantez and Boal grapes on the brink of extinction and the demand for wines produced in the Portuguese region was high, producers were under immense pressure to repopulate their vineyards.
As a result, many winemakers opted to grow the Tinta Negra Mole grape, thanks to its excellent resistance to diseases commonly found in vineyards and the variety’s generous yields.
The Tinta Negra grape variety, or simply Negra Mole, is the most widely planted red grape variety on Madeira, accounting for between 80 and 85% of wine production on the island.
Although it does not reach the same quality there due to the climate conditions. It is essentially cultivated in the south of the island, in Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, and in the north in São Vicente.
These Tinta Negra Mole grape bunches vary between medium and large in size and are made up of berries of uneven color (from blue-black to pink). On Madeira, this grape variety produces a very sweet red wine and was often used to produce Madeira wine. It produces dry, off-dry, semi-sweet and sweet fortified wines, but is rarely recognized in the names of wines.
It is believed that Tinta Negra Mole is somewhat similar to the variety grown in the Algarve.
The Negra Mole grape variety is an Algarve heritage that deserves to be preserved. By drinking these wines, we are also valuing the Algarve’s tradition and history. Try it for yourself!
Red wine with delicate fruity aromas with notes of strawberry and pomegranate, that give us a pleasant balance of flavors. On the palate, the fruits and acidity dominate, with a well-rounded finish. This wine pairs well with grilled fish, white meat, or regional snacks.
This red wine comes from Alcantarilha in the Algarve, where the grapes were growing on 8.5 hectares of clay soils. The wine presents the aromas of blackcurrant and sour cherry blended with notes of dried fruits. It is deep on the palate, with persistent and long-lasting tannins. It goes well with fatty fish, white meat and pasta dishes.
This red wine was produced with grapes from a small vineyard over 60 years old. The soft ruby-colored wine presents complex aromas with floral notes from roses, cherries, and light vegetables. On the palate, soft, light wine with young and open fruity flavors. Very smooth and elegant body with light acidity and low tannins. Medium, slightly spicy finish. Pairing well with sardines, tuna steak, or cuttlefish.
Villa Alvor – Singular Negra Mole
The characteristics of the grape variety are genuinely brought to the fore in this floral and fruity wine. The aromas, of forest fruits and wildflowers, have their first expression on the nose and then expand in the mouth. An elegant wine, with a velvety texture. The tannins are extremely round. Thanks to this, the freshness of this wine is more evident, with persistent aromas in the finish. It goes well with tuna carpaccio or octopus dishes.
This light red colored wine has an aromatic profile with notes of ripe strawberry and raspberry. On the palate, it shows an elegant and textured character with natural freshness, given by the delicacy of the fruit. The wine goes well with grilled sardines, black pork meat, or any seafood.
This wine has a medium ruby color with garnet hints. It presents a bouquet of ripe red and black fruit aromas such as blueberries and blackberries, with intense peppery notes and a bit of mocha. Fruity in the mouth with spicy sensations and enough extraction. It is smooth and velvety wine, with light acidity and elegant tannins that give it a medium persistent finish. Pairing well with red meat, game, fatty fish, cataplanas, sausages, hams, and soft cheeses.
Herdade Barranco do Vale – Rosé Negra Mole Reserva
The grapes, coming from vineyards around 70 years old give us this very fresh rosé wine. Aromas of red fruits and florals, with white chocolate accents. On the palate, herbaceous touch and dry flavors with a slightly smoky note. Soft tannins combine with vibrant minerality and salinity that gives it an elegant, long and complex finish. This rosé wine goes well with Asian cuisine, grilled dishes, seafood and salads.
Casa Santos Lima – Al-Ria Negra Mole
With a beautiful light ruby color, this wine has a complex aromatic profile with floral and cherry notes. In the mouth, the wine presents great elegance, and freshness, full of red fruits and deep flavors. It is paired perfectly with red meats, roast beef, and grilled meats.
This very open ruby-colored wine presents fruity aromas of fresh cherries and raspberries emerging against a background of earthy notes and some aromatic herbs. On the palate, it displays all the elegance of the red grape variety, which is vibrant and very smooth, with a moderately long finish. Ideal with appetizers or to accompany salads, baked fish dishes, Asian dishes, or white meats.
Morgado do Quintão – Negra Mole Branco
This white wine has a pale yellow color with copper nuances, presenting aroma notes of fresh cherry and brioche. On the palate, it is mineral and dense, with texture and depth. Ideal to accompany oysters and other delicate shellfish, dried fruits, hard-rind cheeses, game dishes and convent sweets.
Quinta dos Santos – Escolhido Brut Nature Espumante
This sparkling wine with a citrine yellow color and fine bubbles, is smooth and vibrant on the palate, accompanied by notes of peach and fresh confectionery. It pairs well with seafood due to its good acidity.
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