Sogrape Ferreirinha Callabriga Red 2014

Region: Douro

Varieties: 70% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, 10% Tinta Roriz

Modern-style Douro red. Grapes were hand picked at perfect ripeness in various vineyards of Quinta da Leda, in Almendra, and surrounding properties, and vinified at the estate winery. After completion of the winemaking, the wine was gradually transported to Vila Nova de Gaia from October to December. There it continued its maturation for 12 to 18 months in used oak barrels of French and American origin (75% and 25% respectively). The final blending was done following months of tasting to choose the best wines, barrel by barrel, variety by variety. The final blend was then bottled without cold stabilisation. It might, therefore, with time, throw a natural sediment.

Callabriga is a Douro red in the modern style, intense and elegant, versatile and vibrant, and one of the most innovative wines made by Casa Ferreirinha. Casa Ferreirinha has been making top-quality unfortified wine in the Douro longer than anyone else, and is one of the most respected Douro names throughout the world. Callabriga 2014 is really deep ruby red in colour. It has a complex aroma and good intensity, with plum, strawberry and raspberry aromas predominant, as well as mineral notes and a touch of mint. There are well integrated oaky flavours. Callabriga is an intense, elegant, full-bodied wine that goes best with red meat, game dishes and powerful cheeses, as well as baked fish.

Storage: Those who like their Douro wine young will enjoy this already, but it will improve with 3 to 5 years in bottle, reaching its peak at about 8 years old and drinking well for around 10 to 15 years.