The Portuguese table wine renaissance is officially in full swing, led by dynamic sisters Rita and Ana Cardoso Pinto at Quinta do Pinto in Alenquer. Tucked just inland from Lisbon, their sustainable, historic estate crafts soulful reds like the 2013 Vinhas do Lasso "Garrafeira"—a blend that speaks fluently to Rioja lovers with its mix of Aragonês (Tempranillo) and Tinta Miúda (Graciano) alongside Castelão and Touriga Nacional. This decade-aged gem easily competes with classic Bordeaux or Barolo at a fraction of the price. Naturally, it caught the attention of critics, earning 94 Points & Editor’s Choice from Wine Enthusiast as well as Portugal’s prestigious Escolha da Imprensa (Press Choice) award. Only 95 cases were made, and we’ve locked up 10 of them for our faithful, so move fast before this tiny allocation disappears.

Spontaneously fermented in concrete and aged in a mix of concrete and neutral oak before a ten-year cellar rest, this traditional native blend reflects the best of Portuguese craftsmanship. Decant it for an hour, gather your favorite wine geeks, and prepare for an unforgettable sensory experience that proves Portugal's unsung regions can age right alongside the world's most famous appellations.

In the glass, it pours deep garnet-purple with delicate bricking at the rim. The nose explodes with dried blackberry, plum skin, crushed violets, leather, sandalwood, and shaved cedar. On the palate, medium-plus body meets velvety, softened tannins with a gravelly grip, where earthy undertones, tobacco leaf, and dark wild berries drive a long, energetic finish. Pair it with braised beef shanks or roasted lamb, and secure your stash today. Obrigado!

Critical Acclaim:

94 Points, Wine Enthusiast:

“This partially wood-aged wine is powerfully ripe and now mature. Its rich tannins and layers of black fruits are impressive. Drink this dense blend of classic Portuguese grapes now.”

Escolha da Imprensa (Press Choice Award) – Revista Grandes Escolhas:

“Selected as a top pick by Portugal’s premier wine publication, honoring it as a benchmark example of Alenquer terroir and traditional Portuguese Garrafeira aging.”

Why You'll Love It

• An authentic Portuguese "Garrafeira" release with over a decade of cellar maturation.
• Offers incredible depth of tertiary flavor: tobacco, dried fruit, cocoa, and leather, at an approachable price.
• Balances warm interior heat with cool Atlantic mineral freshness.

How To Serve It

• Serve at cool room temperature between 60°F and 65°F.
• Decant for 30 to 45 minutes to let the aged wood and spice aromatics blossom while throwing off any natural sediment.
• Pour into bordeaux stems to focus the broad, complex bouquet.
• Excellent with slow-roasted pork shoulder, duck rice (arroz de pato), or braised lamb shank.