# Chocapalha Vinha Mãe (2020)

- **Producer:** Quinta de Chocapalha
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alicante Bouschet
- **Region:** Lisboa, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €27
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, cherry, plum, violet, mint, vanilla, cloves, cedar, smoke, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Quinta de Chocapalha is a historic 16th-century estate located in Alenquer, within the Lisboa wine region. The property was purchased in an abandoned state by Paulo and Alice Tavares da Silva, who lovingly restored it and replanted the vineyards. 'Vinha Mãe' (Mother Vine) pays tribute to the very first vineyard block replanted by the family in 1987. Today, the estate is run by three generations of the family, with daughter Sandra Tavares da Silva—one of Portugal's most celebrated and talented winemakers—leading the winemaking team. This flagship cuvée represents the crown jewel of their portfolio, beautifully reflecting the unique microclimate of Alenquer, where cool Atlantic breezes and morning mists allow for a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes.

## Interesting facts

- Vinha Mãe translates to 'Mother Vine,' honoring the very first vineyard block replanted by the Tavares da Silva family in 1987.
- The 2020 vintage completely omits Syrah, focusing purely on a Portuguese trio of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Alicante Bouschet.
- Winemaker Sandra Tavares da Silva, daughter of the founders, is widely celebrated as one of Portugal's most talented winemakers.
- The grapes benefit from 'invisible rain'—dense morning fog and dew driven by the estate's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied, highly structured red wine requires rich, savory dishes with ample protein and fat to soften its robust tannins. The vibrant acidity cuts through creamy textures, while the intense dark fruit and oak-matured spices complement roasted meats and earthy mushroom-based dishes.

## Wine making process

The grapes for Vinha Mãe are hand-harvested in late September using small 20 kg crates to ensure pristine quality. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is fully de-stemmed and undergoes a cold pre-fermentative maceration. Fermentation takes place in traditional 6,000-liter granite treading tanks (lagares) for eight days at temperatures strictly controlled below 25°C. Automated robotic treading is utilized to gently extract color and fine tannins, mimicking traditional foot-treading. For the 2020 vintage, the winemaking team implemented a deliberate extension of the aging process, maturing the wine for 36 months (3 years) in 225-liter French oak barriques to achieve exceptional structural integration and complexity.