Lisboa Bonita Red Blend ($19)
Casa Santos Lima is a multi-generational, family-owned winery that stands as one of Portugal's most prolific and highly decorated wine producers. Based at its primary estate, Quinta da Boavista in Alenquer (just north of Lisbon), it has evolved from a historic family trade into a global powerhouse.
The winery was established in the late 19th century by Joaquim Santos Lima, who was already a prominent producer and exporter of Portuguese wine to the UK and Brazil.
In 1990, his great-grandson, José Luís Santos Lima Oliveira da Silva, left a successful career in banking and finance to take over the family estate.
This Lisboa Bonita red blend is produced from Castelão (25%), Caladoc (25%), Tinta Roriz (20%), Alicante Bouschet (15%), and Touriga Franca (15%) grapes. It is a beautiful deep purple color with nice dark fruit aromas. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has lots of dark fruit flavors such as plum, blackberry, and blueberry, while the oak aging infuses notes of chocolate and vanilla. The tannins are bold and benefit from an hour in a decanter.
This Lisboa Bonita red blend is a tasty one from Portugal. And, at this price, it’s a great value too, which makes it this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!