Quinta da Pellada Alto Red

Quinta da Pellada Alto Red is a Portuguese red wine from the Dão, made by Álvaro and Maria Castro from an old-vine field blend led by Jaen, Alvarelhão, Tinta Pinheira, Bastardo and Touriga Nacional. It is one of the estate's top reds, an elegant, age-worthy Dão for a special dinner or your cellar.

Tasting notes

The US importer describes vines around 75 years old on granite at about 500 metres, native-yeast fermentation and about 28 months in seasoned French oak, at 13%. Bright ruby-garnet, sour cherry, raspberry, cranberry, flint and violets, then a firm, restrained palate with bright acidity and a long finish.

Food pairing

Pour it with roast kid or lamb, duck rice, game, or a mature Serra da Estrela cheese.

About Álvaro and Maria Castro

In 1980 civil engineer Álvaro Castro inherited two neighbouring Dão estates, Quinta da Pellada and Quinta de Saes, in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela, and became one of the region's first estate bottlers. His daughter Maria joined in 2000, and they farm 44 hectares of field blends of more than 40 native grapes along biodynamic principles.

Good to know

• Serve at 16-17 °C, decanted an hour ahead. Keeps 2 to 3 days once opened.
• 75 cl bottle.
• A fine gift for a wine lover.