Quinta de Sant’Ana, Tinto Reserva, Lisboa, Portugal 2022
{sustainable} 50% Touriga Nacional, 40% Aragonez (Tempranillo), 10% Merlot
OPAQUE BLACK FRUIT, CREAMY VANILLA & TOAST, BROAD SHOULDERED
Not quite a dead ringer for top-shelf Douro but cut from a very similar cloth, this opulent blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez (Spain’s Tempranillo) shares its two dominant grapes with the more famous reds of northern Portugal. The similarities don’t end there, however, and there is a density and enveloping blanket of firm yet expansive black fruit that strongly recalls the character of the reds from the Douro region. This outstanding offering comes courtesy of the very first vines that English viticulturist and co-owner James Frost planted when joining his wife at her family’s estate, Quinta de Sant’Ana. Less than 300 cases produced.
Serving Suggestion: Pork belly braised w/ fingerling potatoes, chestnuts, & scallions. Crispy eggplant lasagne w/ tomato sauce, garlic, thyme, & grated pecorino.
