2017 Quinta do Monte d'Oiro Ex Aequo

Owner José Manuel Bento dos Santos, an industrial chemical engineer, has an outspoken love for northern Rhone wines. On a unique piece of landscape 70km north of Lisbon, 15ha of vineyards are ORGANIC tended to grow perfect grapes with an extremely low yield of 20-25hl per hectare. With the support of Grégory Viennos (former chief winemaker at Chapoutier and Cos d'Estournel), exceptionally fine wines are produced that have found their way into royal cellars and the best European and American restaurants.

Monte d' Oiro 'the golden hill' is a reference to the hill on the Quinta that takes on a beautiful golden glow when the sun shines over it. The winery is located in the Appelatie Vinho Regional Lisboa.

The Ex Aequo is a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Touriga Nacional which has matured for 18 months in 40% new French oak. This great wine is the result of a partnership of José Bento dos Santos, of Quinta do Monte d'Oiro with Michel Chapoutier and is only made in the best years. Combining complex aromas of ripe fruit and a pronounced hint of licorice, it shows maturity and austerity, with smoky notes, minerality, black pepper and cloves. Nice structure on the palate, but super refined with a remarkable freshness to promote breadth and aromatic complexity. An incredibly stylish and refined wine that can best be kept in the cellar for a few years in peace. You will certainly be rewarded for this.