WINE & LIFESTYLE REPORT
Quinta das Carrafouchas red 2008 Regional Lisboa
Tasted April 2012
Grapes - Touriga Nacional and Aragonês (tempranillo)
Appearance - bright and clear with deep ruby color.
Nose - clean, youthful and medium plus intensity aromatics. Aromas resemble fresh red fruits, mainly strawberry and red ripe red cherry, balsamic notes, a floral hint of violets, some sweet spice and vanilla but very well integrated in the ensemble.
Palate - a dry palate, with medium but refreshing acidity, a medium plus level of tannin just slightly underripe, medium body and medium plus alcohol gives a nice structure. Flavor profile has medium intensity and maintains the focus on red fruits but with a prune note and more markedly balsamic and leafy than on the nose.
Conclusions (16/20) - Good quality wine, shows sense of place, a nice balance and considerable structure. I really like the tenacity in this wine, although it shows a marked austerity with slightly harsh tannins, it still manages to deliver some nice ripe fruit and fresh balsamic notes. This is clearly a wine to be drank with food, perfect for stews based on red meat with strong seasoning. I'm curious to follow its evolution for the next 3 to 5 years.
Approximate retail price - €5,30
Note: Sample provided by Quinta das Carrafouchas
Grapes - Touriga Nacional and Aragonês (tempranillo)
Appearance - bright and clear with deep ruby color.
Nose - clean, youthful and medium plus intensity aromatics. Aromas resemble fresh red fruits, mainly strawberry and red ripe red cherry, balsamic notes, a floral hint of violets, some sweet spice and vanilla but very well integrated in the ensemble.
Palate - a dry palate, with medium but refreshing acidity, a medium plus level of tannin just slightly underripe, medium body and medium plus alcohol gives a nice structure. Flavor profile has medium intensity and maintains the focus on red fruits but with a prune note and more markedly balsamic and leafy than on the nose.
Conclusions (16/20) - Good quality wine, shows sense of place, a nice balance and considerable structure. I really like the tenacity in this wine, although it shows a marked austerity with slightly harsh tannins, it still manages to deliver some nice ripe fruit and fresh balsamic notes. This is clearly a wine to be drank with food, perfect for stews based on red meat with strong seasoning. I'm curious to follow its evolution for the next 3 to 5 years.
Approximate retail price - €5,30
Note: Sample provided by Quinta das Carrafouchas
