Fitapreta Vinho Tinto Alentejano 2021

Description

One winemaker, one English Viticulture, a good idea, that’s what it took to found FitaPreta in 2004 by António Maçanita and David Booth. After working together for a couple of months, the two tried doing their first wine together, which ended up being a huge success in the Alentejo and promptly won the Trophy Alentejo Award by IWC, which was last given 22 years ago.

'Winemaker of the Year' 2018, 'Singularity Award' 2018, 'Revelation Producer' 2017, Wine Project of the Year 2016 - it's safe to say that Antonio Macanita's mantlepiece is under some strain. But despite the high achievements and fancy awards, there's a devil-may-care adventurousness to António Maçanita which really puts us in mind of the likes of Pieter Walser or Swartland revolutionaries Adi Badenhorst and Eben Sadie in South Africa (funnily enough, Alentejo, where Antonio makes his Fitapreta wines, has been compared to Swartland - in that it was traditionally dominated by co-operatives but recently we’ve seen an influx of small growers with old plots making really interesting and exciting wines). Like the Saffers, Antonio has sought to challenge wine lovers' expectations and make great new wines from often largely forgotten territories. He also surfs. He learned his trade at some of the world's top wineries - Rudd in Napa, D’Arenberg in Australia and Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux - before blazing a trail all over Portugal - from Douro to Alentejo to the Azores Islands. In addition to his own multi-region company, he also consults for 13 other wineries.

Deep ruby-violet, with a generous aroma of warm red fruits, discreet notes of toast and spice and a refreshing touch of eucalyptus. Mouth-filling, ripe and refreshing. Serve with well flavored grilled red meat.