Cavalo Maluco Tinto 2013, Herdade do Portocarro
Vineyard: Herdade do Portocarro
Grower: José da Mota Capitão
Grapes: 33.3% Touriga Franca, 33.3% Touriga Nacional, 33.3% Petit Verdot
Village: São Romão do Sado
Region: Peninsula de Setúbal
Soil: Clay-loam rich in calcium and silica
Production Methods: Jose doesn’t mobilise the soil but cuts the grass and leaves it to mineralise and incorporate into the earth. He doesn’t use herbicides and fertiliser. Hand-harvested and selected grapes; fermented on oak vats, aged for 24 months in French oak barrels followed by 12 months in the bottle.
Special Features: Plantation North-South on a hilltop facing South, 60m above the River Sado valley. Estate noted for reviving rare Portuguese varieties and low-intervention winemaking. Influenced by the sea winds which are 30 km away to the West. Days are hot, nights are cool. Ph of the soil is around 7.5.
Country: Portugal
Tasting Notes
Colour: Intense, deep garnet with violet reflections
Nose: Expressive aromas of ripe black fruit (plum, blackberry, cassis), with layers of wildflowers (violet), sweet spices, dried herbs, and notes of graphite, coffee, and cocoa
Palate: Full-bodied and structured. Fruity and spicy notes linger, with a balsamic and mineral finish
Length/Finish: Long, deep and elegant with great potential for ageing in the bottle
Alcohol: 13.5%
Sulphites: Low
Bottle Closure: Natural
