Tasting Notes
A blend of Tinta Carvalha, Castelão, Moreto, Alfrocheiro and Trincadeira from the Chão dos Eremitas vineyard planted on granitic soils in the southern foothills of the Serra d'Ossa. "Lightish cherry red. Aroma of fresh raspberries with a light sprinkling of crushed stones. A little more savoury on the palate, as well as the zesty red fruits. Full of youthful zest for life. Chewy but fine-grained. Alcohol shows a little on the finish but would not be noticeable if you drank this very slightly cool. Tannins are fine-grained yet chewy." 17/20pts, Julia Harding, JancisRobinson.com
More Info
Winemaker of the Year' 2018, 'Singularity Award' 2018, 'Revelation Producer' 2017, Wine Project of the Year 2016 - it's safe to say that Antonio Macanita's mantlepiece is under some strain. But despite the high achievements and fancy awards, there's a devil-may-care adventurousness to António Maçanita which really puts us in mind of the likes of Pieter Walser or Swartland revolutionaries Adi Badenhorst and Eben Sadie in South Africa (funnily enough, Alentejo, where Antonio makes his Fitapreta wines, has been compared to Swartland in that it was traditionally dominated by co-operatives but recently we’ve seen an influx of small growers with old plots making really interesting and exciting wines). Like the Saffers, Antonio has sought to challenge wine lovers' expectations and make great new wines from often largely forgotten territories. He also surfs. He learned his trade at some of the world's top wineries - Rudd in Napa, D’Arenberg in Australia and Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux - before blazing a trail all over Portugal - from Douro to Alentejo to the Azores Islands. In addition to his own multi-region company, he also consults for 13 other wineries.