Wine: Aluado Alicante Bouschet

Country: Portugal

Region: Lisboa

Designation: Lisboa

Brand/Producer: Aluado

Grape Varietal: Alicante Bouschet

Special Attributes: Vegan

ABV: 13%

Type: Red

Code: 2683

Tasting Note

Aluado is a very deep and intense ruby colour that is completely opaque and looks almost midnight black. Its aromas are intense and complex with forest fruit and spice notes. Rich black plum and black cherry flavours develop on the palate along with a hint of coffee and cinnamon in the midst of lingering firm tannins.

Producer

Aluado is made at Quinta de Porto Franco, winemaker José Neiva’s family estate which originally dates from the 14th century.

Moving to modern times, José Neiva is winner of the Premhio Senhor de Vinho (aka ‘The Mr. Wine Award’) by the country’s top wine magazine, in recognition for his major contributions to Portuguese wine. José’s friends called him “aluado” (moonstruck, or crazy) when he decided to make a pure Alicante Bouschet. But competition successes followed with multiple golds and 90+ point ratings and has also been named a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy three times. 

Winemaking

The Alicante Bouschet grapes grow at José’s Quinta do Porto Franco estate, 40 miles north of Lisbon. Here, with plenty of sun and cooling Atlantic breezes, the grapes ripen slowly, boosting the development of aromatic and flavour complexity. In the cellar, José gives the wine just a touch of oak aging, for lightly toasty finesse.

Fun Fact

Alicante Bouschet grape is one of the few red-fleshed or “teinturier” grapes, meaning the free run juice is already coloured. The final wine can have a colour intensity that is unmatched by any other grape. It is usually used in a blend to provide intense colour and weight.

Food pairing

This is a rich, full bodied red that will be a superb match for roasted lamb or herby casseroles. Equally, Aluado stands out brilliantly on its own and is delicious with a simple charcuterie or cheese platter.

Awards & Accolades

88 points Wine Enthusiast

Gold Medal Gilbert & Gaillard International Competition

Gold Medal Hong Kong International Wine Challenge

Gold Medal Asia Wine & Spirits

Gold, Medal USA Wine Rating

Silver Medal Berlin International Wine Competition