If you follow our blog, you’ll know that Portugal is not our favorite country when it comes to red wine styles and grapes. It really revolves around the fact that we just don’t tend to like wines made with Touriga Nacional. It’s just one of those things. At the same time we can appreciate the quality of the winemaking, and the passion of those who make it. We have certainly had many amazing Portuguese wines, and of course, I personally love vintage and tawny port.
There’s no questioning the value offered by many Portuguese wines, or that the world has stood up to take notice of the region over the past few years. Across the spectrum, from young Vinho Verde, made in the northern Minho province, to the rich reds further south into the Alentejo, Portugal has a lot to offer.
The wine we’ll review today is a red from the Tejo region, located in the heart of the country, not far from the capital of Lisbon. The region is rich with vineyards, olive groves and cork forests. It has a viticultural history that dates back to the Romans. Traditional red grapes include the aforementioned Touriga Nacional, as well as Trincadeira, Castelão and Aragonês (a local term for Tempranillo). They are also now growing more international varieties, and we will see that here.
Wine: 2015 Rabisco Reserva Tejo
Winery Location: Tejo Region, Portugal
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: December 2018
Tasting Notes: this wine is a 50/50 bend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon, so half traditional Portuguese grapes and half mainstream international, with the local terroir adding its unique qualities. This ages for 9 months in new French oak after fermentation. The juice itself is dark, purplish red. It has a brisk nose, with ripe plum and a touch of menthol. The classic Touriga notes come through to us. On the palate the wine is mouthcoating, and rich although it is only medium+ in body. There is some spice. Tannins are mild, and it has good balance. No hard edges here, as this is a very easy drinking wine. It finishes with good length. We actually liked it better after some air time.
Price Point – Suggested Retail Price: $13
Would We Buy It? – we probably would not, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. For us it’s that Touriga Nacional thing. For most, this is going to be very enjoyable and a good value. If you like fruit, a rich wine and a seamless, easy drinking red than this is for you. It would make a good house wine and a great party wine.
We really wish we liked Touriga Nacional more. There are so many wonderfully made wines coming out of Portugal. You should try some.
A votre santé!
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