Trincadeira

Say it: treen-kah-DAY-rah

Thrives in hot, dry places but rots easily in damp years. In the Alentejo it adds lift and spice to blends; in the Douro it is called Tinta Amarela.

In the glassRaspberry, herbs, pepper and spice; bright acidity.

Wines made with Trincadeira

Alentejo Red

Red

Alentejo DOC Tinto

Ripe, round, generous reds from a sunny inland plain, with soft tannins and dark fruit. Easy to enjoy young; the best estates make powerful wines that age well.

Critics: up to 92 pts

Vinho de Talha

Red

Talha wine

Wine fermented and aged in large clay amphorae (talhas), sealed inside with pitch or beeswax, a tradition kept alive in the Alentejo since Roman times. White, red and orange versions exist; the wine stays on its skins and cannot be drawn before 11 November.

Producers to try

Casal Branco

Almeirim · Tejo

A family estate on the left bank of the Tejo whose Falcoaria range is a regional benchmark.

Herdade do Esporão

Reguengos de Monsaraz · Alentejo, Douro, Vinho Verde

One of the Alentejo’s leading estates, with a large organic vineyard and an ampelographic collection of native grapes. Also owns Quinta do Ameal and Quinta dos Murças in the Douro.

Cartuxa

Évora · Alentejo

The winery of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, named after Évora’s Carthusian monastery. Its Pêra-Manca red is released only in exceptional years and is one of Portugal’s most sought-after wines.

João Portugal Ramos

Estremoz · Alentejo, Vinho Verde, Douro

A highly influential consultant winemaker turned producer. His Marquês de Borba wines are Alentejo classics.

Herdade do Rocim

Vidigueira · Alentejo

A Vidigueira estate at the forefront of the talha revival; it hosts an annual amphora wine event.