Alves de Sousa Abandonado 2020

€ 115.00

The Abandonado is a field blend sourced from a plot over 80 years old, this seems like a fine performance in a tricky vintage. Admittedly, its fruit does not show the personality that some other years have had. It is just not as expressive--Abandonado is often rather distinctive. It is still laced with strawberry-tinged herbs on the finish and it is rather tasty. More importantly, it adds a fresh, open feel, avoiding jamminess and overripe fruit. The tannins are moderate. This should still improve with some cellaring, pulling in a bit of oak and moderating the tannins even more while acquiring complexity. Of the winery's three red offerings this issue, this will have its share of picks for #1, given its crisp feel and less obvious oak than the Gaivosa (although I do think the gorgeous Gaivosa is better). They both have a refined style overall. This is a beauty with room to improve, but it is just a bit compact in this difficult year. It still showed fine grip the next day when retasted, though. It is no slacker. It will be interesting to see how it ages. This may yet become more intriguing. It is an understated Abandonado, but it shows well and you will find yourself wanting another glass. This is most of the producer's high end in table wines

Food pairing

Fantastic with Iberian smoked ham, roast, game, smoked meat and other typical Mediterranean meat dishes. Delicious with salted goat cheeses

Grapes: Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Sousão & old vines

aged for 18 months in a mixture of new French and Portuguese oak

Alcoholcontent

14,5%vol

Store & Serve

Serve at 16-18°C. Drink from 2024-2042