The wine has an earthiness in its aroma and tannins, a vigorous structure and fruit-forward, ripe dark plum flavors, with lively acidity throughout. Grapes for this wine are harvested by hand, and the vineyards boast drip irrigation for water conservation. Incidentally, this location also has a hotel, olive groves, and a variety of guest activities ranging from horseback riding to organic farming courses.
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT: Member of the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program, which, since its establishment in 2015, has tripled its membership’s commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem health. They have reduced dependence on pesticides and sprays by planting cover crops and hedgerows to attract insect-eating mammals, and by installing nest boxes or perches for insect-eating birds.
WHO: Herdade Dos Grous
WHAT: 35% aragonez, 35% alicante bouschet, 20% touriga nacional, 10% syrah
WHERE: Alentejo, Portugal
HOW MUCH: $19 (media sample)