Aluado Alicante Bouschet 2024

As Wine Spectator writes, in Portugal “prices are superb and quality has never been better.” Leading the way are winemakers like José Neiva, who has earned local and international attention for his work. His dark, densely fruited Aluado Alicante Bouschet is a consistent knockout.

José’s friends called him aluado (moonstruck or crazy) when he decided to make a wine from 100% Alicante Bouschet, a grape that’s typically used just for blends. But boy, did he show them: Since its launch in 2012, his bottling has won over 40 gold medals and more than 10 scores of 90+ points, and has been named a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy three times.

Considering the effort José puts into the wine, the acclaim is well deserved. The Alicante Bouschet grapes grow at José’s Quinta do Porto Franco estate, 40 miles north of Lisbon. Here, he keeps a watchful eye on the vineyards, where plenty of sun and cooling Atlantic breezes help grapes ripen slowly, boosting the development of aromatic and flavor complexity.

Back in the cellar, José ages the wine in oak just briefly, for a lightly toasty touch that really elevates the palate.

If you’ve yet to taste this wine, order quick. With such a following, it has a high sell out risk.