Review: Monte Velho Reserva Red

Earlier this year, I took a trip to Portugal to visit one of the biggest wine producers there, Esporão. You can read all about that visit here. They have grown to be one of my favorite producers on the planet because they consistently create interesting, high-quality wines at very reasonable prices.

The wine I’m writing about today is produced by Esporão and is the debut vintage for this new addition to their portfolio. The Monte Velho name translates to mean “old hill” and is a reference to a grassy hill on the vineyard estate, where upon an old fortress sits. This is the fourth wine to be included in the Monte Velho line, the others include a red, white and a rosé, all of which are produced in stainless steel tanks. This one, however, is a Reserva, meaning it has been aged for 8 months in used oak barrels.

The vision Esporão had for the Monte Velho brand is to offer wines reflecting the character of the Alentejo wine region, but produce those wines at a budget-friendly price point. At this, they have succeeded wonderfully.

The Monte Velho Reserva Red is made from a blend of native Portuguese and international grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Aragonês (known outside of Portugal as Tempranillo), Syrah and Trincadeira. The grapes are all grown organically.

Tasting Notes

Some wines can be boring, this wine is not. One sniff of this wine reveals rich spice aromas, like nutmeg, allspice and black pepper complimented by rich blackberry, currant and plum aromas. It’s quite nice on the palate too, offering rich blackberry, black currant, wild cherry and spice flavors. The acidity is very vibrant. The mouthfeel is smooth. Tannins, with an Earl Grey tea characteristic, come into play on the mid palate and finish. Tart cherry, blackberry and spice flavors also linger on the finish.

Wine: Monte Velho Reserva Red
Varieties: Touriga Nacional, Aragonês (i.e., Tempranillo), Syrah and Trincadeira
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 88
Average price: $20.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.