Discover three Western Algarve winemakers who reflect the best of the region
– September 23, 2024 | Text Alenxadra Stilwell
Award-winning wine
Falésia Wine – a boutique winery located in the Lagos area, boasting the Algarve’s closest vineyard to the sea – entered its first international wine competition this year and was rewarded with a bronze medal.
The winning wine is the recently released Falésia Reserva Branco 2022 (RRP: N/A). It is the same blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Arinto as the 2021 vintage, which was included in Decanter magazine’s top Algarve wines list.
Aged in oak barrels, this straw-coloured white “has plenty of ripe fruit and spicy oak”, according to the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) judges.
Alentejo and Algarve blend
The renowned Alentejo winery Herdade do Rocim has ventured into the Algarve in partnership with Quinta da Pedragosa.
Located just north of Praia da Luz, this family-run property’s 25-year-old vineyard, planted on 2.4 hectares, influenced by the Atlantic breeze, produces a white (€15), a blend of Arinto and Malvasia, with a subtle minerality and nuances of tropical fruits, that is full-bodied and creamy, yet has excellent acidity.
There’s also a rosé (€15), a salmon-coloured blend of Negra Mole and Aragonês with a mineral character, floral nuances, some spice on the nose, and remarkable freshness. Both were aged in 500L French oak barrels to add complexity.
Poetry in a bottle
Ideal pairings for the summer, organic wine producer Monte da Casteleja has launched Meia Praia red and white (both €12.50).
Blends of varieties exclusive to the region, they “reflect the best the western Algarve has to offer: the generosity and softness of its sun, the freshness of its breeze, and the richness of its flora”.
Bringing this image to life, local artist Mara Taquelim designed the beautiful watercolours on the labels. Also launched at the Lagos winery this summer is the 2023 Palhete (€14). A single varietal of Bastardo, this delicious light-bodied cherry-red wine, best served at 12°C, offers subtle red fruit aromas and minerality on the palate.
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