August Crianza Wine Club
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Quinta do Gradil 2021 Lisboa |
Driving north out of Lisbon can feel similar to driving from SF to Sonoma or Napa County. Vineyards and farms on either side of the freeway, sunshine, blue skies and tourists in convertibles. When the city becomes too manic, it seems like it's human nature to flock to the quiet corners of the countryside. The wine featured in this month's club, Quinta do Gradil 1492, may give you the liquid encouragement to leave the Bay Area and explore a road less traveled this August.
Quinta do Gradil is located in the small town of Cavadal, about thirty miles north of Lisbon. The estate dates back over 500 years and became popular in the 16th century when it was designated as one of the royal estates for hunting game. In 1829, a woman by the name of Ms. Maria inherited the property, transforming part of the vineyards into a place of leisure. Fast forward to today, her yellow palace still stands alongside the winemaking business which remains one the top wines in the Lisbon market.
Quinta do Gradil is one of those picturesque, “instagramable” vineyards that would be an ideal stop along the way to Óbidos or Nazaré. The landscape here is dotted with weathered castles and tons of vineyards. This western-central area of Portugal is part of IG Lisboa (Indicação Geográfica Protegida) which is similar to Vin de Pays over in France. The history and tourism here is more well known than the wines hailing from IG Lisboa, but that is quickly changing. With over a hundred grape varietals, the majority of wines produced here are going to be blends.
Our wine, Quinta do Gradil 1492, is a red blend made from 50% Tannat and 50% Touriga Nacional. The wine starts by fermenting in stainless steel vats, then 70% of the lot is aged in French oak barrels. Barrel aging can really help with taming the high tannins that are intrinsic to both the Tannat and Touriga Nacional grape varietals. This is a full-bodied red wine with medium plus intensity that is balanced and persistent. Notes of blackberry bramble, blueberries and spice box fill the glass and make me crave some authentic Portuguese fair such as chouriço assado. I can see myself grabbing a bottle of this wine, some cured meats and hitting the road! Find a nice picnic bench with a view and “et voila!” Summer vibes achieved. Saúde–AP
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El Coto 2018 Reserva RiojaRegular Price: $22.99
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This month, we’re excited to bring something special to our Crianza club members. El Coto is a renowned name in Spain, known for being one of the larger producers in the Rioja region. Their Crianza wines are a staple in bars across the country, while their Reservas and Gran Reservas are equally recognizable. El Coto has a well-earned reputation for offering excellent quality at great prices, a consistency they've maintained since their first vintage in the 1970s.
Although they've moved between distributors and importers over the years, they’ve always provided a reliably delicious Rioja on our shelves at the Spanish Table. In fact, we currently have some superb bottles of the 1994 Reserva available at an astonishing price for a wine with thirty years of age.
If you're curious to experience the taste of a great aged wine without having to wait decades, the El Coto Reserva 2018 is an excellent choice.
This is already a classic. 2018 was a very healthy vintage too. You get the plum and cherry notes you expect with a touch of dried fruit It has notes of baking spice and earth, tobacco and cocoa balanced with superb acidity and that signature lengthy finish.
This well last easily another decade or so and continue to evolve for the better.
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