More and more these days, wines from Portugal stand out and tall next to many wine regions with more historical pedigree and prestige. This is a good thing, as you can pick up top-quality Portuguese bottles for a much more affordable price. Score.
Ema’s Vineyard has been rockin’ our house, making it an easy decision to add a few bottles to our drink-now stash. Made with 30% Trincadeira, 30% Aragonez (Tempranillo), 20% Tinta Grossa, and 20% Alicante Bouschet, this red wine is juicy, earthy, rich, and full bodied—all in one package.
The Paulo Laureano winery is located in Vidigueira, a sub-region of Alentejo. To recap the map, Alentejo is directly east of Lisbon in the heartland of southeast Portugal. Locals say that life proceeds at the pace of the wind—on its own leisurely, wispy-cloud tempo. But despite the laid-back lifestyle, Paulo Laureano is a serious winemaker, complete with a contagious smile and a handlebar moustache.
Minimal technology is used to make Paulo Laureano wines, keeping a laser focus on terroir and the aromas and flavors delivered by each grape variety. Old vines are meticulously cultivated, and grapes are carefully picked by hand. Hard schist soils predominate, and rolling hills provide the perfect sun and shade handshake, optimal for grape ripening. Can’t you just picture it?
Named after Paulo Laureano’s daughter, Ema’s Vineyard opened with primary aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, rose, and star anise. Secondary notes included dark chocolate and clove. Tertiary notes unfolded to tobacco, crushed leaves, blackberry cobbler, and a hint of charcuterie. This wine was dry, with medium (+) acidity, high alcohol, medium (+) aroma and flavor intensity, full body, and medium (+) tannins. The finish was medium (+).
Grab a bottle of any Paulo Laureano wine (as frankly, they are all awesomely tasty). It will cheer you up, sing with your meal, and be the talk of your party. And you never know, Paulo Laureano may be the inspiration of your next moustache style.
