Quinta da Garrida Reserva (DOC Dão): Look! Encruzado grape variety is already walking alone!

Encruzado grape variety has experienced a revolution in its oenological use. Once used in Portuguese blending, today the new way of treating it in wine-cellar has allowed good results as in the case of this Reserve. A native Dão's variety where is compared with Chardonnay for its voluptuousness, aromatic complexity and ability to be aged. Quinta da Garrida is one of the wineries of the Bacalhoa business group whose project for Dão is installed in the village of Vila Nova de Tazém (40 km south from Viseu).

2017 vintage: In sight without defects and with dense tears. First in nose, its minerality stands out. With oxygenation their companions appear: pear and apple. Delicate roundness entrance in mouth marked by chalk hints. Development with body, spicy and with very serious aging touch: 40% barrel fermentation in French oak barrels. Silky texture propitiated by the lees contact. Long and alcoholic finish where echoes of roasted peach, citrus and herbal typical of the Dão landscape appear. Wood tannin that ends up providing seriousness and solidity to this Encruzado.

A wine with structure and therefore gastronomic at a price around $8. Its pleasant tannicity allows it to be stored for another 5 years. If on the contrary you decide to open this vintage today, do it at a 12'5º C temperature. Great versatility at the time of pairing offers this 'Reserve'. As Portuguese gastronomy, look for a northern elaboration: the Coelho de Cebolada. I have thought of a dish of Croatian cuisine: try the Riblji Paprikaš (it can be accompanied by mlinci). Of the Spanish gastronomy I remain with some artichoke hearts with anchovies and serrano pork ham.