The winter was cold and initially quite dry, but from the end of February and until June, rainfall levels were above the 30-year average, particularly during March and April. A wet spring delayed the vegetative cycle, and this was the case right up to the vintage. Summer began cool and practically without rain, but between August and October temperatures were always above average and with very little rain. These conditions were, however, a beneficial counterpoint to the low temperatures and abundant rainfall recorded during most of the winter and throughout the spring. The vintage started mid-September and the grapes showed complete and balanced maturations. We produced very elegant wines, aromatic, well-structured and balanced.
Reviews
Cellar Selection
The top wine from this estate, purchased in 2017 as the Symington Family's first venture outside the Douro, is in the Portelegra hills of northern Alentejo. This is a dense wine layering Alicante Bouschet and Syrah into a harmonious rich wine. It will develop with powerful textures alongside the black fruits and mineral tannins.
A polished red with fine, velvety tannins, with fresh and balanced fruit. Black berries. Dark cherries. Hints of mocha and toasted oak. Flavorful finish. Tight at the end, but finely made. A blend of half syrah and half alicante bouschet. Drinkable now, but better with age.
From the Symingtons’ estate in Portalegre, a 510-acre property with 106 planted to vines, this grows at the foot of the Serra de São Mamede, at elevations rising to 1,800 feet. The top selection of alicante bouschet and syrah at the estate, this ages in French oak, pointing up the richness of the pomegranate-red fruit and adding a note of smoke and char to the tannins. A smooth mineral riff plays out through the finish, expanding with air, drawing you back for another sip.