 |
|
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
 |
| The Alentejo is
a large region that covers about a
third of Portugal, yet has only
one-twentieth of the country’s
population. The countryside is made
up of vast, rolling plains dotted
with cork trees, black pigs, sheep,
and many fields of vines. Alentejo
red wines are generally elegant,
soft, and earthy, made up of
Aragones, Trincadeira, and Castelão,
while the whites are made from the
native Roupeiro, Arinto, and Fernão
Pires grapes. The wines can come
from one of eight different
sub-regions within the area. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Monte da Penha winery is
located in the granite
foothills of São Mamede
Mountains. The high
altitude and relatively
high rainfall of the
region help prolong the
growing season, allowing
for long, slow ripening
of the grapes grown here
by owner and enologist
Francisco Fino.
Francisco is a
third-generation
winemaker who was taught
to tend vines as a child
by his grandmother, and
is now assisted at the
winery by his daughter
Rita. The Fino family
takes great pride in
their wine, and their
dedication is evident in
the quality of every
bottle. |
|
|
|
Monte da Penha Branco
Reserva 2007
Varietal: 33% Fernão
Pires, 33% Arinto, 33%
Roupeiro, and 1%
Trincadeira das Pratas
Winery: Monte da Penha
DOC: Alentejo
TASTING NOTES
Color: Medium gold
Nose: Aromas of tropical
fruit, wet slate, and
lemon peel
Palate: Tropical and
citrus flavors over a
mineral backbone.
Finishes bone dry with
refreshing acidity and a
rich mouthfeel. |
 |
|
|
|
Monte da Penha Montefino
2004
Varietal: 25%
Trincadeira, 25%
Aragones, 25% Alicante
Bouschet, and 25%
Touriga Nacional
Winery: Monte da Penha
Appellation: Vinho
Regional Alentejano
TASTING NOTES
Color: Deep purple with
ruby tints
Nose: Ripe black fruit
and beautiful violet
aromas
Palate: Modern style,
easy-drinking red with
ripe fruit, violets,
herbal mintiness, and
gentle tannins.
Aging: One year in
French Allier oak
* Silver Medal, AWC
Vienna International
Wine Challenge 2008 |
 |
|
|
|
Monte da Penha Reserva
Tinto 2003
Varietal: 55%
Trincadeira, 25%
Aragones, 18% Alicante
Bouschet, and 2% Moreto
Winery: Monte da Penha
DOC: Alentejo
TASTING NOTES
Color: Medium ruby with
bright garnet rim
Nose: Leather, savory
aromas and herbs
combined with ripe red
fruit
Palate: Elegant and
complex, with
well-integrated tannins
and a soft wash of
acidity.
Aging: Aged for one year
in French Allier oak
followed by 24 months in
bottle.
*88 points, Robert
Parker (Wine Advocate
#180, Dec 2008) |
 |
|
|
|
Monte da Penha Fino
Reserva 2004
Varietal: 50% Alicante
Bouschet, 25%
Tempranillo, and 25%
Trincadeira
Winery: Monte da Penha
DOC: Alentejo
TASTING NOTES
Color: Deep ruby
Nose: Intense dried
fruit, violets, and
strawberries
Palate: Full-bodied,
complex, with firm
tannins and a long
finish.
Aging: 1 year in French
Allier oak barrels
followed by 12 months in
bottle
*Gold Medal, AWC Vienna
International Wine
Challenge 2008 |
 |
|
|
|
Monte da Penha
Generations 2004
Varietal: 34% Alicante
Bouschet, 33%
Tempranillo, and 33%
Trincadeira
Winery: Monte da Penha
DOC: Alentejo
TASTING NOTES
Color: Ruby with purple
tints
Nose: Aromas of mountain
herbs, spices, and fresh
black fruit
Palate: concentrated
flavors, dense tannins,
and a rich, smooth
finish
Aging: 1 year in French
Allier oak barrels
followed by 12 months in
bottle
This is a special
selection from Monte da
Penha’s vineyards and
available only in
limited quantities.
*89 points, Robert
Parker (Wine Advocate
#180, Dec 2008) |
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
