Aluado Alicante Bouschet

Velvet black fruit Alicante plays a minor role in many of Portugal’s reds but José Neiva Correia decided to give it centre stage. Madness, some thought, but five Golds, a Best Buy and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast over two vintages prove him right. They said he was ‘aluado’ (‘loony’) but the ever inventive José Neiva Correia has proved his doubters wrong. Alicante Bouschet produces some of the world’s deepest coloured wines and is often used to enhance Portugal’s top reds. Here you find it in its pure form thanks to José. A legend of Portuguese wine, he combines generations of tradition with an inquisitive spirit undimmed at 60+ years of age. Following on from last year’s triple Gold medal triumph, José again used grapes from his own historic estate, Quinta de Porto Franco, which dates back to the 12th century and is thought to have the oldest vineyard in Alenquer. Aluado 2018 is a rich, velvety red, great on its own or served with roast meats (try lamb or pork) or a herby casserole.