2019 Morgado do Quintao "Clarete" Tinta Negra Mole Algarve Portugal

Morgado do Quintão Clarete is made from the second oldest indigenous grape variety in Portugal, Tinta Negra Mole. The estate is home to a 7 hA vineyard located 261 ft above sea level in DOC Lagoa (Algarve). The vines are only 5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean’s cool maritime influence yet warmed by the Levante winds from Africa, and the average yearly temperature is between 57-60 degrees F. Sunny Algarve is known for exceptional ripening conditions, with 3000 to 3500 daylight hours per year. The soil here is known as arenitos: iron-rich sandy loess mixed with limestone. TASTING NOTES Ruby red core with purple hues running throughout. This elegant medium-bodied red has lively ripe red and black currant lift on the front palate with hints of lavender and mace and allspice filling out the finish. A dried black cherry note lends weight without heft. As in the noble tradition of French Claret, this wine is not over-extracted and exceedingly consumable.