Wines Alentejo Medeiros Wines - Medeiros Riserva - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The Cuvée Medeiros Riserva 2022 from Medeiros Wines is a distinguished red blend hailing from the Alentejo region in southern Portugal. This wine assembles a mixture of local Portuguese grape varieties, reflecting the character and richness of its terroir. The 2022 vintage was shaped by generous sunshine and even ripening, creating a wine with expressive fruit and balanced structure. Traditional vinification methods are combined with modern techniques, ensuring purity of fruit and smooth tannins, while a period of maturation in barrels imparts spice and complexity.

Alentejo itself, often referred to as "the breadbasket of Portugal," has become increasingly celebrated in the world of wine for its generous landscapes and innovative producers. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool nights, ideal for ripening grapes to full maturity while preserving freshness. The soils here range from schist and granite to limestone and clay, offering depth and complexity to the wines. Alentejo's wine culture is ancient, dating back to Roman times, but modern winemaking practices have propelled it to international recognition for profiled, approachable red wines.

Pairing suggestions for this Alentejo red focus on hearty, flavourful dishes. The ripe fruit, balanced tannins, and subtle oak influence work beautifully with lamb stew, grilled Iberian black pork, or feathered game, all staples of the local gastronomy. For a regional touch, consider enjoying it alongside "Açorda Alentejana" (a rustic bread soup with garlic and coriander). Rich vegetarian dishes, such as mushroom risotto or roasted aubergines, will also complement the wine's depth and structure.

For optimum enjoyment, decant the Cuvée Medeiros Riserva about thirty minutes before serving to allow the aromas to unfold. Serve at 16-18°C. This will reveal its full aromatic expression, with notes of ripe red and black fruits, sweet spices, and gentle, integrated oak. The wine can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit but will also benefit from a couple of years in the cellar to further soften and gain complexity.