# Contador de Estórias (2020)

- **Producer:** ManzWine
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Península de Setúbal, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, blackcurrant, violet, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, toast, cloves, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Contador de Estórias (The Storyteller) is crafted by ManzWine, a boutique project founded by André Manz in the historic village of Cheleiros. While the estate is highly famous for single-handedly reviving the nearly extinct white Jampal grape, this red expression showcases their expertise in sourcing premium fruit from the Península de Setúbal. This coastal region, heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado River, provides a unique microclimate that allows late-ripening varieties to develop intense flavors while retaining fresh acidity. The wine is designed to celebrate the traditional art of Portuguese storytelling, bringing people together over a rich and engaging narrative in the glass.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Contador de Estórias' translates to 'The Storyteller,' celebrating the rich oral traditions of historic Portuguese villages.
- While ManzWine is based in Cheleiros near Lisbon, they specifically sourced these grapes from Península de Setúbal for its distinct terroir.
- The blend seamlessly marries Portugal's flagship Touriga Nacional with French powerhouses Syrah and Petit Verdot.

## Food pairing

This robust red wine requires rich, savory dishes with sufficient protein and fat to bind with its firm tannins. The dark fruit profile and subtle oak spices complement roasted meats, game, and earthy mushroom dishes, while the wine's vibrant acidity cuts through rich sauces and cheeses.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal phenolic ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, they undergo total destemming followed by gentle crushing. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with prolonged skin contact to extract deep color, firm structure, and complex aromatics. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for approximately 6 to 9 months, allowing the tannins to soften and integrating subtle spice notes before final blending and bottling.