Carmim Reguengos tinto 2020 (DOC Alentejo): Aragonez, Espadeiro and Castelão invite you to Iberic lands

2020 vintage: the season witnessed slightly above-average temperatures and precipitation levels consistent with the past 21 years. A mild, rainy winter and spring replenished vineyard water reserves, promoting healthy vegetative growth compared to 2019. The hot, dry summer, particularly in July, led to an early harvest. Favorable climatic conditions during veraison and maturation allowed for selective harvesting, emphasizing the distinct characteristics of each grape variety.

 

Red wine of the Reguengos range (Carmim winery from Reguengos de Monsaraz) that represents the wines of that sub-zone within the D.O.C. Alentejo. The plains and long general insolations are tempered by the proximity of Lake Alqueva (4150 Hm3) in the Reguengos sub-zone. In Alentejo region there are only two seasons: hard winter and suffocating summer. Some of the varieties adapted to this climate panorama are Tempranillo (in Alentejo called Aragonez), Espadeiro and Castelão, doing 40-20-20 here.

In the glass it shows a medium-high layer that confirms a maceration of 8 days. Its robí color disc confirms its vintage opening at the end of 2021. On the nose the intensity brings only forest fruit at its point of maturity. Beautiful complexity in the background with hints of undergrowth, floral and herbal that transport us to the Baixo Alentejo. In the mouth a round entrance. Development of medium structure, very friendly and with a nice warmth. The young fruit is the protagonist but it is very accompanied by a spicy register before a finish of polished tannin.

As always, Portuguese wines offer one of the best relations value for money in Europe. In this case close to 5 euros but in the Portuguese country it can be even less. A good red wine for every day that shows a pleasant and greedy mouthfeel. Recommended service at 13º C. Iberian pork ham is the quintessential pairing of the southwest Iberian Peninsula gastronomy and combines luxury with its reds. Without leaving the traditional dishes, try the famous Migas com carne de Porco typical of the O Barril restaurant (Reguengos de Monsaraz).