2020 CalCáriO3 Red Blend ($29.99)
The 2020 CalCáriO3 Red Blend is produced at the Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço, a 151-acre estate in the rolling clay-limestone hills of Portugal’s Bairrada region. It was founded in 2010 by Carlos Dias.
At the heart of their operation is a state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery—a multi-level facility designed so that gravity, rather than mechanical pumps, naturally moves the grapes and juice downward through each stage of production. This gentle, non-mechanical handling prevents the release of bitter seed tannins, ensuring that the heavy clay soils and chalky limestone foundations of the vineyard translate into every bottle.
This red blend is made from 50% Touriga Nacional, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. It underwent fermentation and malolactic conversion in stainless steel tanks before being aged for 24 months in used French oak barrels. The final blend was then aged another 2 years in stainless steel tanks and six months in the bottle before being released.
This wine is deep purple in color with very subtle aromas of black fruit. On the palate, this medium-full bodied wine has black fruit flavors of blackberry and plum, medium-high tannins and medium-high acidity. It finishes lean and easy.
The 2020 CalCáriO3 Red Blend is a unique blend including Touriga Nacional that’s easy to drink and is very affordable. That makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Media Sample Provided by Kobrand Wine and Spirits