Balnaves is a respected familyowned estate in Coonawarra, South Australia’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon region, planted on the iconic terra rossa soils over limestone that give exceptional structure and purity of fruit. The vineyard was first established in 1975 and remains managed by the Balnaves family through three generations, with careful block by block viticulture promoting balance and complexity.
The Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is hand harvested, fermented with careful skin contact and matured for around 18 months in French oak barrels, a significant portion of which are new, to build depth and structure. The wine displays intense cassis, blackberry and plum with subtle oak spice, graphite and firm yet refined tannins. Pair with grilled ribeye, slow roasted lamb, beef brisket or mature hard cheeses for a classic accompaniment.
Country: Portugal Region: Dao
Varietal: Touriga Nacional
Vintage: 2020 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Sogrape
Description:Quinta dos Carvalhais is a beautiful estate in the Terras de Senhorim sub-region of the Dão and is one of the region's most respected producers. Purchased in 1988 by the Guedes family, a huge amount of investment has gone into the estate, which combines the most up-to-date viticultural and winemaking techniques with age-old traditions, resulting in unique wines with great elegance and personality. In addition to investing in their own vineyards, Quinta dos Carvalhais has also been instrumental in defending the interests of local winegrowers and for pioneering the quality revolution in the Dão region. The talented Beatriz Cabral de Almeida is head winemaker and makes a very impressive range of single-varietal wines and interesting blends from the estate vineyards.
Tasting Note:Touriga Nacional is perhaps more famous as a grape destined for Port, however it originated in the Dão and this is arguably where the best examples are to be found. In this region, it produces an intensely perfumed wine of surprising elegance and balance. Ruby-red in colour with intense aromas of ripe red and black fruit, with floral and herbal notes and subtle oaky flavours from time in barrel. Elegant and balanced, with smooth tannins providing structure, the aromatic quality persists through to a long finish.
Food Matches: Game