Country: Portugal Region: Alentejo Varietal: Trincadeira 40%, Tinta Miúda 40%, Castelão 20% Vintage: 2012  Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Julia Kemper  Though Julia grew up surrounded by some of the most stunning vineyards in the Dão, she rejected the prospect of a bucolic grape growing future and decided to study law. Inevitably, given Julia's dogged determination, she became a successful lawyer but she re-assessed her future after an accident gave her a knock to the head. She now saw her future rejuvenating the vineyards of her youth. With a little help from her friend, Dirk Niepoort, she has spent the last decade carefully replanting the vineyards, returning them to their previous splendour. Accolades from the world's top journalists have poured in since the first vintage in 2008 and they are now consistently recognised as one of the top Portuguese wineries. The vineyards at Quinta do Cruzeiro are delicately treated in conformity with sustainable agricultural practices; organic farming consistent with Julia Kemper's values and the heritage from past generations, since the preliminary analysis of the land confirmed that it was free from contamination, which indicated that there has always been a concern to preserve what nature had given. Tasting Note: This red wine presents a good expression of the Aragonez grape variety from Dão. Velvety body, dry, with a singular character. Food Matching This gentle red works well with white meats and soft cheese.