Mont'Alegre Trás-Os-Montes DOC Clássico 2019

Trás-os-Montes means “behind the mountains.” The region is located north of the Douro, and the town of Montalegre is situated in a higher altitude, northerly corner of Trás-os-Montes. This is a part of Portugal that regularly sees snow in the winter: an area not traditionally known for winegrowing. Francisco Gonçalves decamped from the Douro, after 15 years working in the wine industry centered on Porto, to return to his home region. Together with his brother Paulo, Francisco began Mont’Alegre with an eye on the future. With growing seasons getting hotter in the more lowland areas, there is reason to plant at higher elevations. Their ‘Clássico’ red is a blend of touriga nacional, tinta roriz, and tinta amarela. Inky in color, it unfolds deep layers of smoky blackberry, wild blueberry, and cassis, with hints of leather and spice.