Herdade Do Rocim ‘Mariana’ 2019

Husband and wife Pedro and Catarina started Rocim in the Alentejo, a vast emerging region inland from Lisbon and close to the Spanish border. It gets bloody hot there, but these guys really know how to keep their wines fresh.

Mariana (named after a nun) is a blend of touriga nacional, aragonez (tempranillo), alicante bouschet and trincadeira which spend 6 months in French Oak after fermentation. The nose has the sweet pungency of crushed cherry and blackberry kissed by the sun complemented by a subtle layer of sweet cinnamon and warming spices. Supple, pulpy and soft with the right amount of concentration and a perfectly balanced acidity, which, in such a warm climate, is the greatest achievement.