Aluado Alicante Bouschet Reserva 2018

When José Neiva made Portugal’s first pure 100% Alicante Bouschet, his friends called him aluado (“loony” or “moonstruck”). This inky-dark grape was traditionally reserved to add color and depth to blends, never bottled on its own! But José’s daring paid off, and Aluado went on to earn the love of countless customers and critics—it’s a three-time Wine Enthusiast Best Buy with plenty of awards under its belt.

The 2018 vintage already sports five gold medals. Previous vintages have also been released to huge critical acclaim, with Wine Enthusiast declaring that “this rich, dense wine is powered by dark black fruits and ripe tannins. It exudes structure and concentration.”

Aged in new oak barriques, it’s a super-charged wine that every big red fan needs to taste. After you’re done admiring the inky-black color, get ready for aromas of intense berry fruit and sweet spice, which lead to a full, deliciously fresh palate of black plums, cassis, blackberry, vanilla and cinnamon. A perfect wine to sip with beef, pork, and other hearty meals.

Aluado Reserva is yet another example of why Portugal is “arguably the most exciting wine place on the planet” (Wine Spectator). And a definite must-taste for any lover of big, juicy reds.