Castello d'Alba Reserva 2017 (DOC Douro)

Rui Roboredo Madeira is the author of the wine that stars in this article. A wine that I could taste in the 'da Ribeira' Market in the Lisbon city. But it is not in the center of Portugal, but in its northeast where the Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo), Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional grapes that make up this Reserva come from. Specifically from the sandy 'Douro Superior' soils, one of the 3 Porto-Douro vineyard sub-zones, that in this case have an average altitude of 300 meters above sea level.

Visually a very high opacity and density in its tears. A good extraction during a 28º C fermentation. On the nose quite intense and expressive. Ripe wild fruit ( French Touriga ), blue flower (Tinta Roriz) hints and a deep background of its 12 months aging in French and American barrels. Dry entrance in mouth. A very good acidity, fine and velvety mouthfeel in the development. Good amplitude and character without ever being rustic. Dry and warm finish with spicy and elegant balsamic notes here. A fine barrel tannin sharing blackberry and violet touches.

An old vines Reserva (20 yo) that has a 7 euros / $ 7'86 value, in my opinion is positive. But if you try a glass of this wine in 'da Ribeira' Market prepare 4 euros, which is not so positive. In any case, a powerful author wine whose philosophy is respect for the environment and for the native varieties. Enjoy this red wine until 10 years at a service temperature of 13º C, if you want, with a previous carafage. The match is the powerful and protein elaborations like a Caçoila (stewed beef) or a Portuguese pork medaillons.