Terrenus Reserva Vinhas Velhas Red Vinho Regional Alentejano – 2019

Rui’s Terrenus Reserva old vine red is a field blend of ten native Portuguese grape varieties grown on vines averaging 90 years of age. The soils in the area comprise granite, schist and limestone; deeper down is an ancient seabed. The roots of his old vines reach depths of 20 metres or more in their search for water, and it is this combination of rugged, stony terroir with an ancient maritime influence which gives a unique salty minerality to Rui’s wines.  The yields from these old vineyards are tiny – less than one glass per vine – which give impressive depth and complexity to his Terrenus Reserva red.

The grapes were foot trodden, in typical Douro/Port style, then left on their skins for four weeks in cement lagares. The wine then matured for 18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels – one third new – and spent a further two years in bottle before release.

The 2019 vintage was fantastic throughout Portugal, producing some of the country’s finest and most ageworthy reds of all time.

This wine has a deep garnet colour and mature aromas of spice, tobacco, and ripe red fruits. It is full bodied, round, smooth and mellow in the mouth, with good acidity and firm underlying tannins in the background. Complex and structured with rich, ripe dark fruit flavours intermingled with mature, cigar-box spiciness. A classic Portuguese red for long-keeping. 15% alcohol.

Enjoy with strongly-flavoured game dishes or foods with spicy, mushroom sauces.

Awarded 92pts by Wine Advocate. 415 cases were produced. Drink now – 2035.