2015 Quinta da Falorca Touriga Nacional

They are among the secret heroes of the international wine world: winemakers like the quality-seeking Carlos Figueiredo, who holds his native Dão and the local terroir in high regard, while simultaneously producing world-class wines. In his wines, wine lovers find the individuality that is often lost in times of increasing globalization of wine taste: authentic, artisanally crafted wines with a radiant regional character, made from indigenous grape varieties in small quantities. It is therefore no surprise that Señor Figueiredo has planted Touriga Nacional—the king of Portuguese grapes—and produces characteristic, quintessentially Portuguese terroir wines from it, such as the Quinta da Falorca Touriga Nacional Dão 2011. It is not for nothing that the wine has 95 Parker points to its name!

The Touriga Nacional Quinta Da Falorca is a blend of Touriga grapes from three 40-year-old plots and one slightly younger vineyard. A total of 31 clones were used! The grapes matured for 18 months in both one-year-old and new French oak. The combination of power, finesse, and elegance makes this a very seductive wine. The wine needs time and can improve even further with age; we therefore recommend opening the first bottle only in 2022, though it can certainly remain in the cellar until 2035+ (but why would you do that?). The wine is best compared to a beautiful, robust, top red Burgundy, but at only a fraction of the price. 94/100 Parker, and only around 7,000 bottles were produced.

The wine has an impressive cherry-red color with a violet rim. The extraordinarily lively bouquet smells of black cherries, blackberries, and blueberries, and treats the nose to floral aromas, notes of herbs and spices, and fragrant cask aromas such as cocoa, toast, and espresso. On the palate, an impressive fusion of power and finesse, with ripe yet firm tannins, excellent concentrated acidity, well-balanced fruitiness, and noticeable yet perfectly integrated oak aromas. The finish displays power, length, and enormous potential. That is, without reservation, the level of a Grand Cru.

This wine pairs well with rustic, Mediterranean stews, refined lamb dishes, and grilled vegetables such as eggplant and zucchini.