Regardless of if it’s a spirit, beer, or wine, a well-done historical past lesson at any time when an organization decides to christen a product in tribute is all the time appreciated. I’m not talking of the one that begins an organization as a result of they discovered their great-great-grandfather’s finest good friend’s secret recipe saved away in a scrapbook in a household attic, discovered a enterprise capitalist to fund it, and tries to move it off as some custom reignited. I’m speaking about paying homage with an appropriately measured appreciation to historical past and place, very a lot consistent with what Portugal’s Casa Ferreirinha is trying to do with its Callabriga (Pronounced “kah-lah-bree-gah”) line of pink wines. Named in tribute to the Roman fortified settlements within the previously distant areas of Portugal’s Douro Valley, these wines intention to honor the Romans and their dedication to planting vines and making wine within the hardest of terrains. Let’s discover out in the event that they reside as much as their title.
2017 Casa Ferreirinha Callabriga Douro – A mix of 55% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional, and 15% Tinta Roriz current a fancy aroma of black cherries, nutmeg, clove, and darkish chocolate. The palate brings forth notes of wealthy blackberry and tobacco leaf however retains them in concord with the spice and fruit aromas. With agency tannins, balanced acidity, and a protracted, elegant end, there’s numerous character and complexity from begin to end, and it by no means ceases to maintain one’s consideration. A- / $40
2019 Casa Ferreirinha Callabriga Douro – The numbers change right here from 2017, with this classic consisting of 43% Touriga Franca, 32% Touriga Nacional, and 25% Tinta Roriz. The distinction right here is noticeable, with a better emphasis on notes of pink fruit over spice, however there’s nonetheless a contact of chocolate on the nostril for good measure. The palate presents a distinguished and sudden be aware of menthol chopping by, however notes of cherry and blackberry ultimately tone issues down and carry issues by to a nice, prolonged end. Complicated, it’s one for many who like twists and turns of their glass. B+ / $35
2018 Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande – A slight variation on the Callabriga, constructed of 45% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Tinta Roriz, and 5% Tinta Barroca. Very wealthy, with spice and cocoa powder amplified only a notch over the darkish fruit when in comparison with the Callabriga. Issues cool down a bit with a while, and the pink fruit involves the fore. Heavy tannins and acidity give this wine an edge that’s distinctive, however by no means off-putting. Placing this to relaxation for a 12 months won’t be the worst thought. B+ / $25
2018 Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande
$25
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