The family owned estate of Azamor was purchased by Alison and Joaquim Luiz-Gomes in 1998... Known as the “bread basket” of Portugal, the Alentejo has staked a claim as one of the country’s most important red wine regions. It is renowned for its consistency of good quality, excellent value, fruit driven wines. Unlike many producers in the region, Azamor’s vineyards are planted on low vigour hillside sites, which gives their wines more depth of flavour. Alison uses a mixture of local varieties like Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet, as well as international ones such as Petit Verdot, Syrah and Merlot. Country: Portugal Region: Alentejo Varietal:  Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira/Tinta Amarela, Merlot, Petit Verdot Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Azamor Vineyards The Alentejo is known for its dry, hot summers, when the temperature can often rise to 45°C. However, Azamor’s 27 hectares of vineyard benefit from the cooling influence of altitude. Lying at 350 metres above sea level on low vigour, clay and schist slopes, these are some of the most densely planted vineyards in the region and produce low yields of very concentrated fruit. Vinification All of the Petit Verdot was harvested by hand. Fermentation began slowly in 10 tonne lagares at around 21°C before gradually increasing to 24°C. After four days the grapes were pressed and transferred to stainless steel tanks to complete fermentation and undergo malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for 12 months: 35% in new and second use French (Saury) oak barrels, the remainder in stainless steel. The wine was bottled in August 2019. Tasting Note:This is a vibrant, deeply coloured wine with delicate black fruit aromas complemented by smoky notes from the oak. This elegant wine has velvety tannins and excellent length on the finish. Food Matches: Beef / Duck / Barbecues / Hors d'Oeuvres