About this WINE
Herdade do Mouchao
In April 1974 the military dictatorship in Portugual seized this famous Alentejo estate and the Reynolds and Richardson families were evicted from their lands. They had to wait 12 years before Herdade do Mouchao was returned to them in 1986. The estate has 32 hectares of vines planted mostly with Alicante Bouschet from their own pioneering cuttings (long-lived, powerful, enchanting wines with an engaging personality and plenty of energy). The farm also grows small quantities of Aragonés, Trincaderia and Moreto, Touriga Nacional and Syrah
In the vineyards, modern techniques, such as spray irrigation to ensure frost protection, are employed, whilst in the winery traditional techniques are adhered to - the grapes are received in large open lagares where they are hand crushed and delivered down chutes to be foot troden. Production here is small and Iain Richardson, who runs the estate, is unable to meet the majority of orders he receives for his extraordinary wine.
Other Varieties
There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.
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Description
Our tasting note for the 2006 described Moucho as one of the great Portuguese wines. This release proves that standards remain as high as ever at the Richardson familys resolutely old-school winery in the Alentejo, a region better known for the production of corks. Numerous factors contribute to the alchemy taking place at Herdade Do Moucho, one being an allegiance to Alicante Bouschet, which excels in the vineyards and under (the operative word) a regime of foot-treading twice daily in the winery. Aromas of spice, dried herbs and blackberry radiate from the glass. Theres a meaty quality to the nose too, which I love. The palate is equally opulent, with a structure that promises longevity but seduces now. A wine to set pulses racing.
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