Quinta da Fonte Souto Vinha do Souto Alentejo Tinto
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Vinha do Souto is a wine produced from grapes from the harvest of plots in which very particular and special conditions are recognized. These are specific areas of Alicante Bouchet and Syrah, where the low vigor of the vineyard and the low productions, allow to produce grapes and wines that, keeping the naturally fresh profile of the mountain, have an absolutely remarkable concentration and complexity.
Varietal Composition: 55% Syrah, 45% Alicante Bouschet
Elaboration: The grapes are harvested for small boxes and received in the winery of the property. Manual sorting is followed by desengace and a gentle crushing after which the grapes are transferred to the fermentation canisters. Fermentations are followed individually, and the temperatures and maceration movements adjusted to maximize the potential of the grapes. The grapes from the best portions of the property are vinified in small capacity vats, manually worked with blanket submersion, with a period of post-fermentative macerated, during which the extraction of tannins from the grains is promoted — complementary to the tannins of the films — so structure and accentuate the aging potential.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of bush and pine needle enhanced by notes of pine and resin that give great freshness. Spices of white pepper and clove. Black cherry and floral notes of rose bush. Dense and powerful in the mouth with notes of spices, tea, and tobacco. The impressive structure, carved by textured tannins and finely tuned acidity, augur excellent evolution in bottle. A little reserved, needing time to reveal all its greatness.
PRESS
2017 – 93 Wine Advocate | 94 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Quinta da Fonte Souto is a Portuguese red blend produced by the Symington family, well-known for their premium port wines.
In the name “Fonte Souto,” Fonte represents the springs that provide an abundance of fresh water to the vineyard. Souto means represents the considerable area of chestnut trees and cork oaks that cover the estate in the Portalegre subregion of the Alto Alentejo in southern Portugal. There are 207 hectares on the property, of which 43 are planted with vines.
The Symingtons come from a long line of port producers. Andrew James Symington arrived in Portugal in 1882 and married Porto-born Beatrice who was descended from port merchants going back to 1652. Today, ten family members representing a fifth generation are working in the business. In addition to winning many awards, they produced the only port made this century to score 100 points in Wine Spectator.