Ilustre Tinto
At Adega Marel, the plot “Narra Tintos” has four varieties: Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante-Bouschet and Touriga Nacional. All the different varieties are vinified separately, according to the evolution of their maturation state, allowing the individualization of fermentation processes by variety.
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and fermented in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 26-28oC. The concern with extraction was common, through a smooth process with light pumping over. After fermentation, the new wines were kept separated by grape variety, in stainless steel, increasing the future blending possibilities.
In 2019, the intense and fragrant fruit of Touriga-Nacional and the aromatic subtlety and intensity of Alicante Bouschet stood out. We decided to blend them together, in a small batch to test a new wine. The batch was made in April 2020, followed by aging in stainless steel until February 2021. Afterwards, half of the batch aged in a clay vessel “Talha” for 4 months, taking advantage of the porous clay, which softened the tannins of this test. In June 2021, we regrouped the entire batch, letting it harmonize until the time the wine was bottled, August 2021.
Producer: Adega Marel
Winemaker: Tiago Macena
Region: Alentejo (Granja Amareleja)
Style: Red
Grape Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet
Tasting Notes: Intense garnet, violet and brilliant ruby color. The aroma has rich and concentrated notes of ripe fruit, plum, floral, and ripe black fruits. Clean aroma and good exuberance. In the mouth, it has an excellent balance, with a lively acidity and a good volume. It is rich and textured, ending long and pleasant.
Pairing: Due to its intensity and concentration, with evident tamed tannins, it is a wine for dishes rich in protein – well-seasoned grilled meats, oven dishes and slow cooking. Also a good partner for cured cheeses and regional charcuterie – chorizos, loins, ham. If we add good company and good conversation to this, we will have a great time at the table.
Ratings: Coming Soon