Quinta do Chocapalha

www.chocapalha.com

The vineyards of Quinta de Chocapalha are situated in the sunny hillsides of the Estremadura (D.O.) northeast of Lisbon, they have been referred to as having excellent vineyards and wines since the 16th century.

 

Great improvements in cultivation techniques in the 40 ha of vineyards have taken place since the current owners, Alice and Paulo Tavares da Siva, acquired the property in the the 1980's.  It was only with the 2000 vintage, was it decided that the vineyards had reach sufficient maturation and the desired quality that a wine could be produced and bottled.

 

The wines show that they are amongst the finest in Portugal and continually garner rave reviews and are in high demand.

Arinto by Chocapalha Branco 2008

A new wine from Chocapalha... clean and fresh with great acid balance ideal for appetizers and fish/seafood dishes.

 

Think cold roasted chicken on a summer's day on the deck.

SKU 532465

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Yes, Cabernet is wonderful in Portugal when you know how to make it.  Sandra Tavares da Silva does!

 

Purple in colour; it has the typical aroma of ripe grapes with notes of black fruit and spices; a balanced palate with an excellent acidity and a good concentration finished with ripe tannins.

SKU 884684

Vinho Tinto 2006

An estate wine expertly crafted by Sandra da Silva Tavares (also the winemaker at Quinta do Vale Dona Maria) from Periquita (Castelão), Camarate, Trincadeira Preta, and Alicante Bouschet grapes.  Each was hand-selected, de-stemmed then foot trodden separately in stone largares and went through a low temperature pre-fermentation maceration to retain the ripe fruit flavours.  Fermentation occurred over an 8 day period with temperatures never exceed in 28 degrees C.

 

Due to the unique characteristics of the Castelao and Alicante Bouschet, they were aged separately in new French oak (Allier) vats and casks for 12 months prior to final blending and bottling. Intense red colour and having the taste of very mature red fruit and good ageing; the palate is intense and balanced with a long aftertaste.

 

Deep colour of violet tonality, good concentration in the nose.  Rich perfume with notes of very ripe black fruit and floral notes.

SKU 640920

Vinho Tinto Reserva 2003

Expertly crafted by Sandra Tavares da Silva (the owners' daughter and reknowned wine maker at Quinta do Vale Dona Maria, Douro) from 60% Touriga Nacional and 40% Tinta Roriz .

 

Fermentation took place in lagares for about 12 days, at a controlled temperature which did not exceed 27ºC; then underwent ageing and malolactic fermentation in 100% new French oak barrels for 18 months.

 

Intense, purple colour with violet tones with a forceful aroma of well-ripened black fruit, chocolate and floral notes typical of the Touriga Nacional.  Very concentrated in the mouth with well-ripe tannins and a long, fresh finish. Serve at 16ºC and let the wine evolve as it warms to room temperature.  Only 7.100 bottles produced.

 

   90 Points

SKU 423129