This is a blend of 75% Arinto and 25% Verdelho. Light golden in color with yellow hues. The nose has citrus (tangerine?), wax and slight floral notes. Light bodied. Crisp acidity. On the palate, tangerine, pith and slight peach. This is nice on its own but better with food. It would go well with lighter foods and sea food. Scallops would work well. Drink over the next five years.
In France and Portugal, you’ll find Alicante Bouschet. But few other countries make it. So to find a stand-alone bottling from the Symington family (best know for their Ports), my interest was piqued. Soft tannins and mild acidity give way to blackberry, blueberry, ripe black cherry, a hint of huckleberry jam, and back notes of sage, wildflower and rose water. Unique unto itself, this is definitely a wine worth seeking out, if for no other reason than you won’t find this grape bottled very often.
