04/11/2019 – Casa Santos Lima, Al-Ria 2017

(2019) A blend of local varieties Touriga Naçional, Tinta Roriz (a.k.a Tempranillo) and the Syrah grape of France, which is not an unusual marriage down in the Algarve, which is more experimental than Portugal's more established wine regions. Spicy, richly-fruited and dark in colour, it is crammed with sweet and ripe berry and plum fruit, tobacco and some coffee tones before more of the same on the palate. Terrifically intense and sweet fruit, ripe to overripe flavours verging on prune and currant, but with good balance from its rustic tannins and freshening acidity. A big, warming mouthful, terrific for wintery dishes or firework celebrations perhaps. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.