# Pousada do Corvo Reserva Tinto (2023)

- **Producer:** Adega Herdade das Aldeias de Juromenha
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira
- **Region:** Alentejo, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €4
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackcurrant, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, chocolate, prune, dried fig

## About this wine

Pousada do Corvo Reserva Tinto is a private label wine crafted exclusively for the Iberian supermarket chain Mercadona. Rather than utilizing mass-production facilities, Mercadona partners with established regional estates to deliver authentic local character. This red blend is produced by Adega Herdade das Aldeias de Juromenha, a respected estate with a 25-year history located in Elvas, within the Upper Alentejo region of Portugal. The estate's vineyards benefit from clay-limestone and schist soils near the Guadiana River, creating a wine that represents Alentejo's traditional viticulture at an accessible price point.

## Interesting facts

- Produced exclusively for Mercadona by Herdade das Aldeias de Juromenha, a respected estate with 25 years of history in Alentejo.
- To preserve freshness in the hot Alentejo climate, grapes are harvested mechanically during the cool night and early dawn hours.
- The grapes are transported from the vineyard to the winery in under five minutes to prevent premature oxidation.

## Food pairing

This robust Alentejo red wine, with its 15% ABV and rounded tannins, requires equally hearty and savory dishes to achieve balance. The rich proteins and fats in roasted meats and cured cheeses soften the wine's structure, while the savory elements complement its ripe fruit profile without being overwhelmed by the high alcohol.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for this Reserva Tinto is designed to preserve fruit purity while managing the warm Alentejo climate. Grapes are harvested mechanically during the cool night and early dawn hours, then rushed to the winery in under five minutes to prevent oxidation. After destemming, the grapes are gently crushed to avoid cracking the seeds, which prevents bitter compounds from entering the juice. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with skin maceration for color and structure extraction. The wine is then aged in oak barrels to meet the regional requirements for the 'Reserva' designation.