Herdade do Rocim Mariana Tinto Alentejo 2017

This blend of 40% Aragonez, 30% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Trincadeira and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a silky, medium-bodied texture, fresh berry fruit and an elegant, Bordeaux-like style with some austerity, but lots of ripeness, a textured mouthfeel and a good finish.

Herdade do Rocim is located in the lower Alentejo region (southern Portugal). This property got its start in 2000 focusing primarily on local grapes like Aragonez, Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet. They also work with several international grapes like Cabernet and Syrah, which is becoming more common in the Alentejo region. The "Mariana" is a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon and Trincadeira. This is a consummate food wine with notes of dried herbs, baking spices and ripe black fruit. It has a wonderful, sweet mid-palate that is really engaging.