# GA DOC Alentejo Tinto (2017)

- **Producer:** Adega Cooperativa da Granja Amareleja
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Moreto, Aragonez, Trincadeira
- **Region:** Alentejo, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €9
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, cherry, plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, vanilla, chocolate, cedar, dried fig, prune, leather

## About this wine

Adega Cooperativa da Granja Amareleja was founded in 1952 in the eastern reaches of the Alentejo region along the left bank of the Guadiana River. Situated in one of the hottest microclimates in Portugal, the cooperative represents over 95% of viticulture in the Granja-Amareleja sub-region. It gained international renown in 1989 when its wines earned top honors at the Ljubljana International Wine Competition. Today operating within the Abegoaria group alongside winemaker José Piteira, the estate continues to focus on traditional Alentejo grape varieties cultivated in sandy soils.

## Interesting facts

- Adega Cooperativa da Granja Amareleja won a World Champion title at Ljubljana in 1989, putting Alentejo on the global map.
- Granja-Amareleja is situated along the left bank of the Guadiana River, one of Portugal's hottest microclimates.
- The region is celebrated for preserving heritage grape varieties like Moreto and traditional clay amphora winemaking.

## Food pairing

The strong tannic backbone and full body of this Alentejo red stand up well to high-protein meats and rich, fat-infused dishes. Robust proteins soften the tannins while savory preparations highlight the wine's rich depth. Classic Portuguese pairings like roasted lamb, rich game stews, and aged regional cheeses harmonize with its muscular profile.

## Wine making process

Grapes undergo mechanical crushing followed by alcoholic fermentation in 10-tonne temperature-controlled vats and amphorae with full skin maceration. Following primary fermentation, the wine matures for 8 months in oak casks prior to blending, stabilization, and bottling.