Wines Alentejo Herdade dos Grous - Moon Harvested - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Herdade dos Grous' Moon Harvested 2023 is a captivating red wine from the Alentejo region of Portugal. This cuvée, produced under the Vinho de Mesa appellation, reflects the estate's philosophy of working in harmony with nature, often practising biodynamic methods. The blend typically incorporates indigenous grape varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, and Aragonez, harvested according to lunar cycles to capture optimal expression and freshness. The 2023 vintage benefited from a balanced season, ensuring ripe, concentrated fruit while retaining vibrant acidity. Vinification combines traditional and modern techniques, including careful hand harvesting, gentle pressing, and ageing in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels to preserve the wine's purity while developing subtle complexity.

Alentejo is renowned for its vast, undulating plains, basking in abundant sunshine and tempered by cool nights, which are ideal for grape growing. The region's schist, granite, and clay-limestone soils contribute depth and minerality to the wines, while the warm Mediterranean climate allows grapes to reach perfect maturity, producing reds with generosity and structure. Alentejo has a long winemaking history dating back to Roman times and in recent decades has gained international acclaim for its innovative yet tradition-rooted estates such as Herdade dos Grous.

Given its supple tannins, juicy dark fruit, and delicate herbal notes, this wine pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is an excellent starting point: try it with lamb stew (Ensopado de Borrego), grilled black pork (Porco Preto), or a savoury cod casserole (Bacalhau à Brás). It also complements paprika-spiced roasted chicken, mushroom risottos, and hard cheeses like Azeitão. The wine's freshness and balance enable it to enhance rich, earthy flavours without overwhelming them.

For ideal enjoyment, serve this Alentejo red at 16-18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes will allow the aromatic complexity to unfold fully. This wine is delightful in its youth but may also benefit from short to medium-term cellaring for further integration and subtlety.