2016 Humus Red

Region: Lisbon < Portugal
Grapes: Touriga Nacional
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming, certified by Sativa PT since 2007; 30% carbonic fermentation in enox tanks; zero additions, not even SO2; unfined/unfiltered; 12.5% ABV
Winemaker: Rodrigo Filipe

Quinta do Paço is Rodrigo’s small family farm, about one hour north of Lisbon and 20km from the Atlantic, a cool microclimate where you get cooling sea breezes and high humidity (good for maintaining acid in grapes). Rodrigo’s father planted the first parcels of vines in the 90s but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that Rodrigo took on the role as winemaker (winegrower actually) after working as an engineer. He has no formal oenology training, having learned by reading his father’s old wine books, attending various courses and workshops, and by following his gut, always focused on the quality of the grapes and the health of the soil. This is a unique wine for Portugal: partially carbonic, no added sulfur, Beaujolais style Touriga Nacional – a bright glass of Christmas spice! Warming, comforting yet light and juicy, perfect with exotic spiced dishes, like Moroccan + Indian, or anything with a sweet-tart element, like cranberries or pomegranates.