Terra d'Alter Alicante Bouschet Alentejano 2020

The Terra d’Alter wines have been made for 20 years by expert oenologist Peter Bright, in partnership with local Alentejano families with longstanding agricultural traditions and big dreams. Acquired by Ímpar, S.A. in 2021, this winery is a project that continues to evolve. It aims to fulfill its potential for ambitious growth while maintaining the small-producer high quality it is known for.

Alicante Bouschet is one of their “Origins” single-variety wines, reflecting on the Alentejano roots of the winery and its vineyards.

“These are wines that invite you to discover the true identity and uniqueness of each grape variety whose origin occurs in the Alentejo soils: The behaviour of each grape variety, the action that leads it through time until it bears fruit, is harvested and worked to express the Alentejo origin in all its essence.” —Terra d’Alter

This fine restaurant-quality imported wine is not available at LCBO stores.

Grape Variety: 100% Alicante Bouschet.

Origin: Portalegre district, Alto Alentejo, Portugal.

Ageing: 14 months in oak barrels.

Alcohol: 14.5%.

Tasting Notes: Purple-red color, very dense and dark. Intense aroma of dark fruit and spice with a floral nuance. Plum and prune notes on the palate, with good acidity and structure, silky and rich tannins. Very long finish with notes of chocolate and vanilla.

Food Pairing: Pair with Portuguese barbecue, roast beef, grilled red meats, lamb, pasta with tomato-based sauce, sausages, red meat-based tagines, and cheeses. Try with fajitas made with portobello mushrooms and strips of sweet peppers and onions; try with curry. Recommended for dark chocolate.

Serving Temperature: 16° to 18°C.