Reynolds Wine Growers - Julian Reynolds Grande Reserva 2012
Pairing Suggestions
Reynolds Wine Growers - Julian Reynolds Grande Reserva 2012 (92 TSW)
A beautiful blend from the Alentejo wineregion.
About the wine:
Blend of 40% Alicante Bouschet, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah
Clean berries fermentation and by separated varieties without treading into Seguin Moreau french oak vats during a long period. Own yeast. Malolactic fermentation in Seguin Moreau barrels by varieties adapting the timing to them, an average of 12 months. Minimum application of sulfites. Varieties blend and bottled aging for 5 years at the estate.
My tasting notes:
In the glass a deep dark ruby red color with purple reflections.
On the medium(+) nose inviting aromas of blackberries, black cherries, plums and spices with hints of tobacco, chocolate, cedar, black tea, thyme and smoky young leather.
On the palate dry, medium(++) bodied with medium acidity and smooth tannins. Very elegant with great structure and depth. Flavours are a recall of the nose with a long final ending with spicy and chocolate notes. A long life ahead. Opens up after a half an hour in the glass.
To pair with appetizers of strong and intense flavor, any meal of red meats mainly stewed or baked in the oven, game meat, cod dishes and buttery cheese type Serra da Estrela. Interesting experience with dark chocolate with 70% or more of cocoa.
The Reynolds family has been making quality wines in the Alentejo since 1850 when they arrived to start producing cork. Figueira de Cima is an estate of 200 hectares that enjoys the site climate of the Serra de São Mamede. The 40 hectares of vineyard are located at the top of a hill which provides them with good, natural drainage and excellent exposure. The soils are schist-based and the undulating terrain produces an accentuated temperature variation between day and night, which promotes the best ripening conditions for the grapes. The traditional local grape varieties predominate: Trincadeira, Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet. The latter, in fact, was introduced into Portugal by the Reynolds family more than 150 years ago.