# Florão Tinto (2020)

- **Producer:** Quinta da Fonte Souto (Symington Family Estates)
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Aragonez, Alfrocheiro, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah
- **Region:** Alentejo, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, redcurrant, black pepper, vanilla, toast, cedar, forest floor, tobacco

## About this wine

Quinta da Fonte Souto is the Symington family's first vineyard venture outside of their traditional Douro stronghold. Acquired in 2017, the estate is located in the Portalegre sub-region of northern Alentejo, nestled on the slopes of the São Mamede range. The unique microclimate here is cooler and wetter than the rest of the Alentejo, thanks to the altitude of around 500 meters and abundant natural water sources. Florão is the estate's approachable, estate-grown range, designed to showcase the fresh, elegant, and fruit-forward character of Portalegre's high-altitude terroir.

## Interesting facts

- This estate represents the Symington family's historic first vineyard purchase outside of the Douro Valley.
- The name 'Fonte Souto' translates to 'fountain of the chestnut grove', referencing the abundant water and chestnut trees on the property.
- Located at 500 meters altitude, the vineyards benefit from a cooler microclimate than the surrounding hot Alentejo plains.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity and moderate tannins make it highly versatile. It cuts through the richness of roasted meats and earthy mushroom dishes, while its fresh red fruit profile complements savory, herb-infused sauces without overpowering lighter proteins like duck or pork.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed before undergoing fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Gentle extraction techniques are used to preserve the vibrant primary fruit characteristics and soft tannins. A portion of the blend is aged in neutral French oak barrels for several months to add complexity and roundness, while the remainder is kept in stainless steel to maintain freshness.