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:  100% Petit Verdot  Vintage: 2017 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Azamor   Vineyards The Alentejo climate is known for its cold winters and hot summers. In the winter, the temperature can drop down to 0°C; in summer, it can rise to 43°C. Humidity ranges between 20% in the summer and 100% in the winter, with an average rainfall of 450mm per year. Vintage Information The 2011 growing season began with a very wet winter with over 950mm of rain. A cool spring and lots of rain resulted in delayed flowering, and the fruit set was less than normal. The harvest quantity was down 30%, and the quality is exceptional. Petit Verdot was the last variety to be picked during the 2011 vintage on the 8th and 9th of September. The fruit was in good condition, the pips were crunchy and the grape had lots of structure, as reflected in the wine. Vinification The Petit Verdot grapes were fermented in a separate stainless steel ten ton tanks for ten days starting slowly at around 21ºC and gradually increasing to 24ºC by the final day. The wine was left on the skins before being pressed and before going through malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for 12 months in the cellars, 35% in new and second use French Saury barrels, and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Tasting Notes An exceptionally elegant red wine with a beautifully delicate fruit aroma, soft fresh fruit flavours and a classic French oak barrel lift. The wine has an excellent length and finishes with a balanced structure and soft tannins. Food Matches: Beef / Duck / Barbecues / Hors d'Oeuvres