Springtime might conjure up visions of crisp whites, rosés, and the occasional skin-contact orange wine, but we’re eager to escape that skittish, seasonal box that keeps us tethered to rigid rules and limits our sense of exploration. The reality? Spring is a sprawling, complex intersection of warmth and renewal, but also unpredictability. It’s a season of transformation, where the last chill lingers in the air, and the vibrancy of change is just starting to blossom. Enter the Monte Velho Reserva Red 2022, a bold yet breezy outlier ready to insert itself into your spring wine lineup.

A Fresh Take on Barrel-Aged Red

Yes, some oenophiles believe red wine should hibernate until fall… consider this your call to rethink that stance. This new addition to Esporão’s popular Monte Velho line is an easygoing yet sophisticated vessel for those transitional spring evenings. Picture yourself at a lively dinner table in Portugal, where wine isn’t just a drink. It’s a culture, a conversation, and an integral part of the meal. The Monte Velho Reserva helps embody that spirit, elevating casual weeknight dinners with its blend of tradition and innovation.

A Blend Rooted in Alentejo’s Viticultural Legacy

Touted as one of Portugal’s top wine regions, Alentejo has been a thriving hub of winemaking since the mid-1970s, though its viticultural history spans over two millennia. Monte Velho Reserva 2022 showcases this deep-rooted expertise with a blend of Touriga Nacional, Aragonês (aka Tempranillo), Syrah, and Trincadeira. Each grape brings a unique texture and character to the wine:

  • Touriga Nacional: Portugal’s flagship grape, offering rich, dark fruit, structure, and bold tannins
  • Aragonês (aka Tempranillo): The backbone of many Iberian reds, it adds subtle earthiness and red berry vibrancy
  • Syrah: Known for its fragrant, round fruit, it softens the blend while enhancing depth
  • Trincadeira: A floral, fruit-forward variety that intertwines beautifully with the savory nature of Aragonês

Aroma, Palate, and Pairing Potential

The Monte Velho Reserva Red is anything but daunting. From the first swirl, it enthusiastically introduces itself with intense aromas of wild berries, black plums, and sweet spices, layered over a toasted oak finish. On the palate, it delivers a bit of depth without weightiness. An approachable take, with ripe black fruit and just a hint of jam. This red finds its sweet spot at the intersection of versatility and personality. While it shines alongside robust dishes with grilled meats, it’s equally enjoyable with lighter fare. Think charred vegetables, a subtly spiced roasted chicken, or even a cozy, brothy mushroom soup for those cooler spring nights.

The Legacy of Monte Velho

Since its debut in 1992, Monte Velho has built a love affair with wine lovers eager to explore Portugal’s heirloom grapes. The name itself, pronounced MON-tay VELL-yo and meaning “old hill” in Portuguese, references the aforementioned grassy mound crowned by a 12th-century fortress on Esporão’s estate. The new Reserva joins its stainless-steel-fermented siblings (Monte Velho Red, White, and Rosé), adding depth and a hint of barrel-aged intrigue to the lineup.

Beyond the bottle, Monte Velho champions sustainability. All wines in the line are certified vegan, bottled in lighter-weight glass, and shipped in recycled, varnish-free packaging. The result? A wine that respects both tradition and the planet, making it a thoughtful choice for the eco-conscious drinker.

Part of Your Spring Rotation

Inevitably, the wine world leans toward the familiar. But sometimes, an outlier comes along that challenges the status quo in all the right ways. The Monte Velho Reserva Red is one such wine, offering a fresh perspective on what a springtime red can be. It’s bold without being overpowering, structured yet lively, and deeply rooted in Portugal’s thriving winemaking tradition. Whether you’re a longtime Monte Velho fan or a newcomer to Alentejo’s treasures, this bottle deserves a spot at your table. So go ahead, embrace the unexpected. Your next yummy bottle might just be a Portuguese red that rewrites your seasonal playbook.

Find more info at: https://montevelho.com/en/

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Disclosure: Sample bottles of wines were received. Samples submitted to Shall We Wine are for review and thoroughly assessed before posting.