# Clarete Barroca da Malhada Tr (2024)

- **Producer:** Barroca da Malhada
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Trincadeira
- **Region:** Beira Interior, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, cherry, redcurrant, plum, herbaceous

## About this wine

Produced by Barroca da Malhada in the high-altitude Beira Interior region of Portugal, this wine is a modern expression of the traditional 'Clarete' style. Clarete wines are historically significant in Portugal, characterized by their light red color and refreshing profile, often achieved through shorter skin contact or co-fermentation. Barroca da Malhada focuses on preserving regional heritage, utilizing the native Trincadeira grape grown in granite and schist soils under the influence of the harsh continental climate of the Iberian mountain border.

## Interesting facts

- Clarete is a traditional Portuguese style of light red wine, historically popular for its highly refreshing and easy-drinking nature.
- The vineyards of Beira Interior are among the highest in Portugal, situated at altitudes up to 700 meters above sea level.
- Trincadeira is a challenging grape to grow, highly sensitive to rot, but thrives in the dry, high-altitude climate of Beira Interior.

## Food pairing

As a light-bodied Clarete with vibrant acidity and low tannins, this wine bridges the gap between white and red food pairings. It pairs beautifully with fatty fish, poultry, and pork, cutting through richness with its crisp acidity while providing enough red fruit structure to complement savory elements.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for this Clarete involves a short maceration period to extract a delicate ruby color and soft tannins without overwhelming the fresh fruit character. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the primary aromatics of the Trincadeira grape. The wine is kept unoaked to maintain its vibrant, fruit-forward profile and crisp mountain acidity before early bottling.