Quinta da Lagoalva Vinho Espumante Rosé Bruto

Last Monday’s post reviewed a single varietal Portuguese sparkler – a highly unusual (unique it’s fair to say) Grüner Veltliner from Rita Marques of Conceito, the Douro.  Fellow Portuguese Young Winemaker Diogo Campilho of Quinta da Lagoalva has produced another impressive fizz (and first for me), this one from the Tejo estate’s signature grape, Alfrocheiro.

I asked him what inspired him to make it.  For Campilho, it’s about “always trying to do different things, believing in Alfrocheiro grape very much and trying to explore all its potential” (Lagoalva arguably make Portugal’s best Alfrocheiro red).  The fruit comes from a block 10 years younger and with a higher yield than the table wine (8 tons/ha vs 5 tons/ha).  And, as you’d expect, it’s (hand)picked earlier – September 4^th vs September 25^th.

The base wine was partially oaked (25% of the wine was fermented and aged for four months in 4 year old French Oak barrels).  Following a second fermentation in bottle, it was aged on lees for 18 -26 months prior to disgorgement (it is bottled in different batches).

Quinta da Lagoalva Vinho Espumante Rosé Bruto (DO Tejo)

Pale pink, yet firm and resolute on the palate with tight, crisp red cherry on the attack and a very persistent palate/fine bead.  Going through it reveals classic Alfrocheiro red (fruity) liquorice spice and a subtle creaminess. Nice body, length and layer, all the while the fruit retaining its refreshing crunch and clarity.  Very well done.  Indeed, no doubt thanks to the oak (which adds structure not flavour) it’s still looking good on day three.  Despite my partner’s best efforts to demolish it! 12%