2023 Herdade do Sobroso Elevage Tinto

Herdade do Sobroso is located in Vidigueira in the Alentejo region. This is one of the oldest wine regions in Portugal. In the beautiful Alentejo, Herdade do Sobroso enjoys a perfect location with its vineyards situated on the banks of the Guadiana River and its tributary, the Rio dos Patos, or the River of the Ducks. Consequently, the ducks on the labels are its trademark. It is the perfect setting for the ripening of the grapes, a luxury few vineyards enjoy. This partly explains why this winery can produce very fine wines, as there is never a water shortage. In addition to the fact that there is sufficient water, this region is the only one within the Alentejo influenced by the ocean, which ensures healthy ripening.

The Élevage Tinto is the absolute flagship of Herdade do Sobroso and is a selection of the best grapes from Alicante Bouschet from the south-facing shale-clay plots. Shale, or schist, is the rock most often associated with landslides. Through weathering, the shale transforms into a clay-rich soil that closely resembles slate but is more brittle. The grapes are hand-picked and selected down to the berry level. After fermentation in temperature-controlled "lagar," the wine ages for 12 months in amphora. This wine is silky smooth, deliciously dry with only pure aromas of ripe red fruit, plums, blackberries, and cherries. Ripe and supple tannins. Intense, deep, and fresh, revealing the purity of the aromas. The vines on this schist soil impart a unique mineral, chalky note to the wine. This is a fantastic wine of which only a few hundred bottles are produced, only in the best years. Amphora aging provides the most honest representation of a wine. It allows for minimal oxygen passage, similar to a wooden barrel, but adds no flavors. Place this on the table alongside a (much more expensive) Burgundy and let yourself be surprised. A nice detail is that the cork of this beautiful bottle is sealed with an amphora/clay stopper featuring the Herdade do Sobrroso logo.

Pair this magnificent wine with traditional Portuguese meat dishes or mature cheeses. Beautiful to drink now, but can certainly cellar for another 10+ years. In its early years, open early or decant and pour this wine into a large, spacious glass. For example, our beautiful Spiegelau Bourgogne glasses.

WINE AND FOOD SUGGESTIONS:

• Beef stew with carrot and onion
  The wine's full body and ripe tannins enhance the rich flavors of braised beef, while the acidity keeps the dish beautifully balanced.

• Grilled sirloin steak with peppercorn cream sauce
  The powerful and spicy character of the wine pairs perfectly with the juiciness of the entrecote and the creaminess of the sauce.

• Pasta with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese
  The earthy notes of mushrooms and the savory cheese combine beautifully with the ripe fruit and spiciness of the wine.

• Roasted bell peppers filled with minced meat and rice
  The sweetness of the bell peppers and the savory filling are beautifully balanced by the fruity and spicy structure of the wine.

• Lamb chops with thyme and garlic
  The firm structure and spicy notes of the wine pair perfectly with the pronounced flavor of lamb and the Mediterranean herbs.

FUN FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to pick it up, you will often receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, almost next to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others, via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.

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