Wine Talk – A versatile red, perfect for grilling season

In the 1980s, the family shifted its focus toward producing higher-quality wines from its own vineyards. Three generations later, Quinta dos Roques continues to craft wines that express the Dão terroir, highlighting native Portuguese grape varieties through a combination of traditional and modern winemaking methods.

The Colheita Tinto 2020 is a blend led by Touriga Nacional (50%), along with Jaen, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão. Notes of floral aromatics and pine are nicely integrated with black plum, blackberry, delicate spice, and star anise. The blend highlights the finesse for which Portuguese winemakers are famous, bringing together different grape varieties to achieve balance between fruit, tannins, floral character, structure, and acidity.

This wine fermented in stainless steel, macerated on the skins for 11 days to extract color, tannins, and flavor, and then aged in French oak barrels for six months. Bottled in 2023, this Colheita has benefited from additional bottle aging, allowing the wine to integrate beautifully.

For the price, this wine delivers excellent quality. Serve slightly chilled at 16ºC alongside barbecue this summer.

Quinta dos Roques Tinto Colheita 2020 is available at Intermarché for €9.35.

Read more from Adrienne Salerno about wine: Wine Talk – A curiosity from the Alentejo: a Blanc de Noirs or Why Portuguese wine is worth discovering

Adrienne Salerno

Adrienne Salerno is an American entrepreneur now living in Lagos. She founded Terra Doce, a unique platform where she celebrates Portuguese wines, offers exclusive experiences, tastings, educational events, and a wine club. +351 926 783 248 | [email protected] | terradoceportugal.com