Porta 6 – Reserva 2015: Portugal

Winemaker Antonio Mendes Lopes sets out to better his original ‘Porta  6’ (very popular in the UK), with this 2015 Reserva effort. He utilises Syrah and Cabernet, as well as two perhaps lesser known grapes: Touriga and Alicante Bouschet. Touriga is typically found in Port, whilst Alicante Bouschet (derived from Grenache), is typically used to ‘tint’ some table wines.

Lopes uses stainless steel tanks during fermentation, resulting in this delicious, ruby coloured wine.

On the nose: It’s very aromatic. Blackberries, Leather and a touch of spice. It’s surely one you’d want to drink immediately, but it does benefit from some aeration.

To taste: Soft, rounded tannins. Plums and plenty of dark fruit, (fans of ‘jammy’ wines will love this!). There’s even a hint of Liquorice, it’s great! Reading up on this region, it becomes clear their speciality is soft, smooth wines like this. Allegedly, the locals keep the best stuff to themselves. I want to try some of that, if this isn’t the good stuff! Saúde!

Would pair with: Lamb, Game, BBQ meats. For anyone fond of port, this is a guaranteed hit!