Mouchão Tonel Nº 3-4 Tinto 2013

Grape Varieties: Alicante Bouschet (100%)

Tasting Notes: The complex spices and minty freshness found in this wine continue to surprise even us, given the extreme temperatures recorded. Intense garnet color, aromas of black fruit, ink, pencil, black olive, mint and spices. Its structured and exuberant tannins guarantee a unique longevity. Despite its enormous aging potential, this is a wine that is deliciously drunk after its launch on the market. Like the Mouchão, the Tonel Nº 3-4 is emblematic of what Alicante Bouschet can achieve in perfect conditions at Herdade do Mouchão.

Enology: At Mouchão we vinify ALL our reds in open stone vats. Complete bunches, with stems, are included in the maceration process, so the time of harvest is especially critical, since it is necessary to find a delicate balance between sugars, acids, global phenolic maturation (color, tannins, etc) as well as the lignification of the deceit. Produced only in years in which the optimal maturation conditions are reached, these chosen grapes are trodden by foot and fermented between 4 to 6 days and the resulting wine is aged in two 5,000L vats (Nos 3 and 4), the choice of winemaker to keep the best Alicante Bouschet from exceptional years. The wine will be aged there for a minimum of 3 years, after which it will mature in the bottle for another 2 years.

Viticulture: Responsible care for the vine is critical to ensuring the best fruit and keeping our bees healthy. Alicante Bouschet grapes come exclusively from the Carrapetos vineyard, well drained and with alluvial soils, a 25-year-old vineyard at the time of harvest. Average yields per hectare are low, around 4.03t/Ha since 2010.

Serving Suggestions: Decant or open between 12 and 24 hours before serving. At its best potential until 2035. Consume at a temperature of 15-19ºC, with grilled meat or game dishes.

Winemaker: Paulo Laureano

Awards: 97/100 Robert Parker