4.5 Review: Cartuxa, Tinto
A few weeks back, I had a series of reviews on red blends from Portugal and today I’m back at it with a wine from a legendary winery in Portugal, called Cartuxa.
This winery, along with the olive grove and enoteca under the same name, are run by a philanthropic foundation, called Eugénio de Almeida. Proceeds from the foundation support the UNESCO heritage city, Évora, which is where the Cartuxa estate resides. You might have noticed the wine is from DOC Évora, which is a sub-region of Alentejo.
The blend here begins with 40% Aragonez (aka Tempranillo), which is a commonly used grape for blends in this region. It can add some fruit flavor, but tends to be somewhat neutral in blends — showcasing the other grapes in the blend. There’s also 40% Alicante Bouschet, which brings a structure, spice and earthiness to the wine. Finally, it has 20% Trincadeira, adding to the aromatics and mouthfeel.
The wine also spent a year in French oak barrels, further adding to the spice and structure of the end product.
Tasting Notes
This wine reveals a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and earth aromas, such as black and red berries, black pepper, eucalyptus, Earl Grey tea and toasted oak. The palate delivers bright blackberry, wild cherry, Earl Grey tea and cured meat flavors, with a rich, tannic mouthfeel. The acidity adds a nice vibrancy. Berry and tea flavors linger extensively on the finish.
Wine: Cartuxa, Tinto
Varieties: 40% Aragonez, 40% Alicante Bouschet and 20% Trincadeira
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 86
Average price: $25.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
What others say about this wine:
Video review from Wine World TV
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