The new Luis Pato Sparkling Rosé wine from Portugal is made from the Touriga Nacional red wine grape, a high-quality but low-yield grape that is characterised by its high tannin content and concentrated black fruit flavour.
The grapes are planted in sandy and chalky-clay soils in the Bairrada district in northern Portugal, harvested at the start of September to keep the acidity, and fermented initially in steel vats at temperatures below 18°C.
Following collage and stabilisation, the wine is bottled in early October to undergo a second fermentation before dégorgement.
The sparkling wine, which carries the flavour of violets and cherries, goes well with fish, shellfish and roasted meat.
To buy it, call 01663 742230
Raymond Reynolds