Quinta de Chocapalha

www.chocapalha.com

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one review

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.

Quinta de Chocapalha Vinho Tinto 2002

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.  Only 12,000 bottles were produced.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.

   86/100   "Ripe red plum jam, gamey, peppery, liquorice and resin aromas. Soft, round, elegant style with earthy, peppery, smoky liquorice flavours with some cedar on the finish. Dry and ready to drink."  AG-ST

SKU 640920