Aluado Alicante Bouschet 2020

As Wine Spectator writes, in Portugal “prices are superb and quality has never been better.” Leading the way are winemakers like José Neiva, winner of the Premhio Senhor de Vinho (aka ‘The Mr. Wine Award’) by the country’s top wine magazine, in recognition for his major contributions to Portuguese wine.

José’s friends called him aluado (moonstruck or crazy) when he decided to make a pure Alicante Bouschet. But competition successes followed with multiple golds and 90+ point ratings. It’s also been named a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy three times. And the 2020 release arrives with five gold medals (so far). Here’s what Gilbert & Gaillard judges had to say:

“Alluring nose of black fruits with herbal and white pepper touches. Lovely robust, fruity palate with a perfectly integrated tannin backbone. Moreish, refreshing finish. Drink with medium-cooked roast beef.”

Considering the effort José puts into the wine, the acclaim is well deserved. The Alicante Bouschet grapes grow at José’s Quinta do Porto Franco estate, 40 miles north of Lisbon. Here, he keeps a watchful eye on the vineyards, where plenty of sun and cooling Atlantic breezes help grapes ripen slowly, boosting the development of aromatic and flavor complexity. In the cellar, José gives the wine just a touch of oak aging, for lightly toasty finesse.

Aluado has long been a favorite among our customers, so you’ll have to be quick to secure your share.