Malhadinha Nova head north: noted Alentejo estate makes new wines in Portalegre – Teixinha
Malhadinha Nova are a well regarded Alentejo estate, based in the southern end of the region, close to the Algarve. Now they have started making wines from vineyards in the heart of the Sao Mamede national park, in a subregion of the Alentejo called Portalegre. This is at altitude and is quite different from the rest of teh region. The wines are called Teixinha, and they are really impressive.
Malhadinha Nova Teixinha Field Blend Branco 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
13.5% alcohol. This is from Sao Mamede at altitude in the Alentejo (700 m) and it brings together Roupeiro, Tamarez, Com Borras, Bical and Arinto. 9 months on fine lees. Stony and linear with nice bright lemony fruit as well as hints of pear and marmalade, with some subtle oily richness in the mix. Lovely acid line here with a sense of purity and precision. Multidimensional dry white that expands in the mouth and finishes long. Impressive. 94/100 (€25 in Portugal)
Malhadinha Nova Teixinha Field Blend Tinto 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
15% alcohol. From São Mamede at 700 m, this is a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira and Aragonez, aged for 14 months in French oak. Rich, intense nose with some spicy oak and sweet raspberry fruit. The palate is fresh and intense with a core of sweet fruit and some fresh acidity, as well as spicy oak that’s a little high in the mix at the moment. Has the focus, freshness and intensity to age really well: there’s such lovely fruit here. 93/100 (€35 in Portugal)
Malhadinha Nova Teixinha Field Blend Tava Tinto 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
14.5% alcohol. From São Mamede at 700 m, this is a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira and Aragonez, aged for 14 months in terracotta amphora (Talha). Brooding, stony, smoky berry fruits nose with a savoury edge to the fruit. The palate is ripe and sweetly fruited but has a grainy, quite grippy, wet stone savouriness. Nice intensity here with brooding black cherry and blackberry fruit, showing richness and a slightly salty finish. Complex and intriguing. 94/100 (€55 in Portugal)
Malhadinha Nova Teixinha Roupeiro 2021 Alentejo, Portugal
12.5% alcohol. From vineyards at 700 m in São Mamede. Chalky mineral notes on the nose with sweet citrus fruit. The palate is beautifully textured with fresh, linear citrus and pear fruit and a finely chalky finish. Very fine. 94/100
