Cortes de Cima Incógnito 2023

Cortes de Cima produces Incógnito in the Alentejo, southern Portugal, from Syrah descended from the first vines of the variety planted in the region, grafted from Rhône cuttings in the early 1990s. The Alentejo is hot, dry and sunny, with schist and clay soils that ripen Syrah fully and push it towards a rich, dark-fruited and peppery style. Low rainfall and warm days build concentration, while organic farming keeps the fruit balanced. Ageing is long: twenty-four months in oak barrels followed by six months in stainless steel, so the wine gains structure, spice and slow oxygen integration from the wood before the steel settles it and preserves freshness ahead of bottling. The colour is deep and dense. The nose shows ripe plum, blackberry, black pepper, woodsmoke and dried herbs, with a chocolatey, spiced depth from the extended oak. The palate is full bodied and warm, with ripe tannin, moderate acidity and a long, savoury finish. This is a generous, sun-ripened Syrah with real structure. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted, with grilled and roasted red meats.