Wines Algarve Quinta do Tor - Alçibre Grande Reserva - 2017

Quinta do Tor’s Cuvée Alçibre Grande Reserva 2017 is a red wine from Portugal’s emerging Algarve region, crafted as a dry, cellar-worthy expression. The precise blend used in this cuvée is not specified, but wines from the Algarve typically champion international varieties alongside Portuguese grapes such as Touriga Nacional or Aragonez, resulting in well-structured, fruit-forward wines. The Grande Reserva designation suggests an uncompromising selection of the best lots, aged appropriately—likely in oak—to enhance concentration, depth and complexity. The 2017 vintage in southern Portugal was marked by warm, sunny conditions, leading to ripe, generous fruit and robust tannic structure, qualities that suit cellaring and decanting.

The Algarve is better known for its stunning coastline than its vineyards, but this southernmost region has been gaining renewed attention for premium red wines. Protected from Atlantic winds by the Monchique hills and basking in a Mediterranean climate, the area enjoys high sunshine levels and naturally low yields, allowing grapes to achieve full maturity. Soils can vary from limestone to schist and clay, contributing both freshness and richness to the wines. Though winegrowing dates back centuries in the Algarve, only recently have quality-conscious producers like Quinta do Tor restored its reputation with meticulously crafted cuvées.

Pair this wine with robust, flavourful fare that stands up to its body and structure. Traditional Portuguese dishes such as carne de porco à alentejana (pork and clams) or lamb stew, as well as grilled beef, roasted duck or mature hard cheeses, will resonate beautifully with its profile. Encounters with Mediterranean cuisine—herb-roasted vegetables, aubergine stews or hearty pasta ragùs—will also prove rewarding.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this Algarve red at around 16-18°C and consider decanting it for an hour before drinking, particularly if you are enjoying this wine while it is still relatively young, as it will allow the full range of aromas and flavours to unfold.