# Monte das Promessas

- **Producer:** Casa Santos Lima
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot, Castelão, Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Alentejo, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €2
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe berry fruit, fresh black cherry, blueberry, black olive, floral notes, blackberry juice, red currants, cinnamon, black pepper, smoky bacon, smoked, earthy

## About this wine

Monte das Promessas is a red wine from Casa Santos Lima, a family winery with a history spanning four generations. Produced in the Alentejo or Lisboa regions of Portugal, it is a blend of grape varieties including Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, and Petit Verdot, with other bottlings potentially including Castelão and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards are located on gentle slopes benefiting from Atlantic influence and good sun exposure. Casa Santos Lima, founded by Joaquim Santos Lima, has been modernized by subsequent generations, focusing on vineyard replanting and updated production facilities. This wine represents a commitment to quality and value, showcasing the potential of Portuguese terroir and diverse grape varietals.

## Interesting facts

- The blend includes both traditional Portuguese grapes like Touriga Nacional and Castelão, alongside international varieties such as Syrah and Petit Verdot.
- Despite its quality, this wine is often available at a remarkably affordable price point.
- The producer, Casa Santos Lima, has a history dating back to the late 19th century.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and ripe tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of grilled meats and stews. Its fruity notes can stand up to robust flavors, while the balanced acidity helps cut through fattier dishes. The subtle oak influence can harmonize with roasted or grilled elements.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Monte das Promessas begins with destemming the grapes, followed by a 24-hour pre-fermentative maceration at low temperatures. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for approximately 12 days, with skin contact maceration lasting for 28 days to enhance color and structure. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 3 to 4 months in French and American oak barriques. Harvests are conducted from late August to mid-September using both mechanical and manual methods.