Viniou Reviews
Porta da Ravessa Grande Escolha 2018 is a red blend hailing from the sun-drenched Alentejo region in southern Portugal. Crafted as a ‘grande escolha’, this cuvée showcases a harmonious blend of local grape varieties—typically dominated by indigenous grapes such as Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet, which are renowned in the region for their expressive fruit and depth. The 2018 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, with enough warmth to allow full ripeness yet retaining vital acidity. Vinification is conducted with a focus on preserving fresh berry character, while a proportion may see ageing in oak barrels, adding gentle structure and notes of spice without overwhelming the wine’s fruit-driven core.
Alentejo as a wine region is known for its rolling plains, warm Mediterranean climate, and an abundance of sunlight, making it ideal for producing ripe, generously flavoured reds. The soils are varied, featuring schist, granite, and clay-limestone, which add nuance and longevity to the wines. Historically, Alentejo has been a breadbasket for Portugal, but in recent decades it has gained renown for its approachable, well-structured wines that combine tradition and innovation.
This robust, characterful red wine suits richly flavoured dishes. Traditional Alentejo cuisine, such as pork with clams (carne de porco à alentejana) or migas with grilled sausages, will pair beautifully thanks to the wine’s supple tannins and generous fruit. It is also a natural companion to slow-cooked lamb dishes, roast beef, mature cheeses, or vegetarian options like ratatouille with Mediterranean herbs. For a contemporary touch, try it alongside a roasted aubergine and spicy chorizo stew.
When serving Porta da Ravessa Grande Escolha 2018, decant the wine for about an hour to reveal its full aromatic complexity. Enjoy it at a cool 16-18°C to best appreciate its ripe fruit, spice, and supple texture. This temperature ensures vibrancy and balance in every glass.
