Description
From: Évora, Alentejo, Portugal
Varietal: Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and Castelão
Taste: In the glass, it shows a deep garnet hue. The nose is fresh and intense, with rich aromas of wild fruits, figs, and hints of rockrose (Mediterranean evergreen with herbal, earthy, and slightly floral undertones, often compared to a blend of pine, citrus, and warm spices). On the palate, it offers good volume with smooth tannins and abundant ripe fruit flavors. Balanced acidity provides great intensity, leading to a persistent finish with notes of cut herb and wild berries.
Pairing: For Iberian fare, pair it with Arroz de Pato, a traditional Portuguese duck rice dish baked with shredded duck, chouriço, and aromatic spices that harmonize with the wine’s fruity and herbal notes. Lamb chops with romesco sauce, a Catalonian specialty featuring a smoky, nutty sauce made from roasted peppers and almonds, is another excellent match, as is chorizo and manchego-stuffed peppers, where the wine’s ripe fruit balances the smoky heat of chorizo and the richness of the cheese. The wine from the broader Mediterranean region pairs well with shakshuka with spiced lamb meatballs, combining poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce with savory lamb, which complements the wine’s earthy undertones. Pappardelle with wild boar ragu, a Tuscan favorite of slow-cooked wild boar in a tomato and herb sauce, finds a perfect partner in the wine’s depth and fruitiness. Lastly, the wine’s vibrant acidity and fruit-forward character beautifully elevate eggplant caponata's tangy and savory flavors, a Sicilian dish of sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Eggplant Caponata
By David Tanis
About: Adega Cartuxa, located in the Alentejo region of Portugal near the historic city of Évora, is one of the country's most prestigious wineries. Its origins trace back to the 16th century when Jesuit monks established the Cartuxa Monastery near Évora. The Jesuits played a crucial role in cultivating the land and establishing viticulture traditions that have endured for centuries. Following the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1759, the property changed hands, ultimately becoming part of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation in the 20th century. The winery is owned and managed by the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Vasco Maria Eugénio de Almeida in 1963. The foundation is dedicated to the Alentejo region's cultural, educational, and social initiatives. A Vasco Maria Eugénio de Almeida spent much of his efforts on revitalizing the area by creating a hospital, social housing, and more. Part of his efforts also included the planting of olive groves and vineyards. The profits from Adega Cartuxa contribute significantly to funding these efforts, making the winery a direct line for regional development.