Espera Castelão

In the Portuguese language, Espera translates as ‘wait’ in English, and is a word that Rodrigo Martins uses as the basis of his winemaking philosophy. It is a word that he uses to connect his vineyards and wines to nature. Rodrigo works with organically farmed vineyards in the Alcobaça region just North of Lisbon. The 5 hectares are planted with indigenous grape varieties including, and beyond, the well-known Touriga Nacional. Rodrigo has no set elevage for his cuvées, preferring to treat each vintage as its own, giving more or less time as the wine needs. This way he believes that the wines best represent the vintage. Alcobaça is famous for its large population of Cistercian monks, who have been making wine for many generations. Rodrigo looks to their historical winemaking practises to influence his own winemaking. These wines are a true insight into the terroir of Alcobaça and the history which defines the region. This lovely red wine is made of 100% Castelão. Light ruby in color, fresh cherry in the nose with some hints of flint and minerals, typical from the grape variety and maturation in French oak barrels. Fine, intense and fresh in the palate, with a long and pleasant finish. Perfect with a nice steak and potatoes, grilled sardines & charred peppers or things like chicken enchiladas or mature hard cheeses.