Cortes de Cima Tinto 2021

Cortes de Cima Tinto is a red from the Alentejo in southern Portugal, blending Syrah with the native Touriga Franca. Syrah brings dark fruit and pepper, while Touriga Franca adds floral lift, structure and freshness, a pairing well suited to the region's hot, dry climate and schist soils. Long, sunny summers ripen both grapes fully, and organic farming keeps the fruit in balance and the acidity intact. Ageing runs twelve months in oak barrels followed by twelve months in stainless steel, the wood adding structure and gentle spice through slow oxygen exchange and the steel preserving fruit and freshness before bottling. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe plum, blackberry and red berries with black pepper, dried herbs and a touch of liquorice. The palate is full bodied and warm, with ripe, rounded tannin, moderate acidity and a savoury, herbal finish. This is an accessible, sun-ripened Alentejo blend that drinks well now. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a large red glass, with grilled meats, roasts and stews.