The wines of Quinta de Lagoalva, Ribatejo, Portugal

UK agent: FWW wines (tel: 020 8567 1589, sales@fwwwines.demon.co.uk)

Quinta de Lagoalva is a large estate in the Ribatejo of some 5000 hectares in all. Wine isn’t the main focus here, but there are 50 ha or so under vine (the bit with the vineyards is known as Lagoalva de Cima). The main claim to fame of Lagoalva is that this was the first place in Portugal to plant Syrah. Quality is consistent rather than exciting, although I was quite taken by the 2001 Alfrocheiro.

Quinta de Lagoalva Castelão Touriga 2000 Ribatejo
Boldly flavoured wine with an appealing savoury, slightly caramelly edge. A chewy, savoury red.  Very good 84 (£4.50 Flying Corkscrew, Halifax Wine Company)

Quinta de Lagoalva Alfrocheiro 2001 Ribatejo (cask sample)
Deep coloured. Intense, liqouricey nose. Very rich and boldly flavoured, showing good concentration and a spicy edge. Lots of flavour here in a savoury style. Very good+ 88 (£9.99)

Quinta de Lagoalva Alfrocheiro 1999 Ribatejo
A vividly fruited savoury red with good concentration. Boldly flavoured with good acidity. Very good+ 85 (£9.99 Jeroboams)

Quinta de Lagoalva Syrah 2000 Ribatejo
Soft, sweet liquoricey nose showing ripe berry fruit. Chewy, savoury palate with good intensity and nice acidity. Very good+ 87 (£12.99)

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