Alyantiju Tinto DOC Alentejo 2018

Vineyards

Produced from Alicante Bouschet grown in the unique terroir of Herdade Aldeia de Cima in Alentejo. The vineyards cover two main areas: one on the plateau between 289 and 300 metres and another in Serra do Mendro, elevated between 300 and 380 metres. These diverse plots follow the natural contours, creating 24 micro-terroirs that allow for a varied expression of the land’s mineral-rich soils and distinct climate.

Winemaking

Under the expertise of Jorge Alves and António Cavalheiro, this wine is crafted with careful attention to tradition and detail. Following hand-harvesting, the wine undergoes fermentation and is aged for 9 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This approach allows Alicante Bouschet to showcase its complexity and depth, drawing from the land’s diverse biodiversity and micro-terroirs.

Appearance

Deep, intense ruby red with excellent clarity and depth.

Nose

Rich and concentrated, with aromas of dark berries, forest floor, and subtle oak undertones. There are hints of spices and earthy complexity that reflect the Alentejo terroir.

Palate

A serious and robust wine, offering a rich profile of dark fruit, balanced by refined tannins and a notable mineral edge. The wine’s silky texture and layered complexity reveal Alentejo’s distinctive depth, concluding with a long, memorable finish.

Food pairing

Perfect with hearty meat dishes and mature cheeses. Its structure and complexity complement both traditional Alentejo cuisine and robust Mediterranean dishes.

Background story

Herdade Aldeia de Cima is an expansive 1750-hectare estate located in Alentejo near Santana, Portugal, owned by the Amorim family. Integrating diverse landscapes—cork and holm oak forests, ancient olive groves, and vineyards—the estate follows sustainable agroforestry practices with a mission to restore biodiversity in the Serra do Mendro. This approach harmonises traditional methods with minimal intervention to protect Alentejo’s natural heritage and local ecosystem.

Situated at Serra do Mendro's highest point, the vineyards benefit from 34 distinct micro-terroirs that enhance the wine’s expression of native grape varieties. The estate’s vineyards, currently transitioning to organic production, are dedicated to Alentejo’s heritage, with native red and white varieties crafted into three wine ranges: Reserva, Garrafeira, and Myndru. Reserva highlights classic Alentejo elegance, Garrafeira offers structured, bottle-aged wines, while Myndru captures delicate aromatics from skeletal soils.

Each wine is released two years post-harvest to achieve full complexity, celebrating the region's winemaking tradition and commitment to environmental balance.