Encostas do Rabaçal - Reserva
Classification: DOC – Trás-os-Montes
Region: Valpaços
Breeds: Touriga Franca, Trincadeira e Tinta Roriz
Type: Red
Alcoholic Strength: 13,5% volume
WINE-MAKING PROCESS:
After being collected, the grapes are destemmed and squeezed. The resulting liquid is driven into small fermentation tanks provided with refrigeration systems. Maceration enzymes are then added, which allows a maximal extraction of must, colouring matter and tannins. Later the selected yeasts are also added in order to start alcoholic fermentation. Throughout this period, which lasts among 4 and 8 days, rootstock is watered several times a day. The reassembly is scheduled depending on the maturation state of the grapes. The whole fermentation process is developed at a temperature between 25ºC a 28 ºC.
CHECKING NOTES:
Clear aspect, ruby colour, fruity aroma with vanilla notes, noticeable wood notes, balanced flavour, full-bodied, soft, balanced, lasting and well-structured; long aftertaste.
Encostas do Rabaçal Touriga Franca Tinto 2007 (Tested in December 2010)
Fresh fruit and grassy notes are the dominant aromas of this wine. No big surprises regarding taste, though it is balanced and correct; however it lacks remarkable features.
Score: 75 Points
Source: Maria João de Almeida
Encostas do Rabaçal Trincadeira Tinto 2007 (Tested in December 2010)
Good aromatic intensity, with fruity notes and evident vegetal notes as its most remarkable elements. Reasonable structure for palate, simple, correct and easy to drink.
Score: 76 Points
Source: Maria João de Almeida
Encostas do Rabaçal Reserva Tinto 2008 (Tested in December 2010)
With fruity aroma and with remarkable vegetal notes. Fruity palate and medium structure. It is a correct, fresh, massive wine with well-integrated wood notes.
Score: 78 Points
Source: Maria João de Almeida
HOW TO SERVE:
Ideal to serve with red meat and meat products, as well as big fish and strong cheese. It must be served at a temperature between 16ºC and 18ºC, and the bottle must be opened an hour prior to drinking; if needed, pass it into a decanter in order to aerate the wine and highlight its organoleptic features.
Clear garnet-coloured wine, quite intense aroma where wood notes and some red fruits stand out; round, warm and with a lasting and vanilla-like aftertaste; mature and correct tannins.
Available in bottles of: 0.50 litre and 0.75 litre.
2001 - Wine Masters Challange silver medal
2002 - Fenadegas silver medal
2003 - Russia bronze medal
2003 - Brussels golden medal