Wine of the Week • 27 September 2021

Marques de Borba Reserva 2017

This Portuguese red hails from Alentejo in the south of the country above Algarve. Marques de Borba Reserva 2017 oozes with raspberry fruit and rich, smooth tannins. The blend is comprised of three traditional Portuguese varieties Trincadeira, Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet, and international jet-setter Cabernet Sauvignon.  Winemaker Joao Portugal Ramos is a superstar of Portuguese wine. The grape bunches were harvested by hand, de-stemmed, and the berries scrutinised as they passed through a sorting table. Only the healthiest fruit becomes wine. The grapes are treaded much like in Port production. By human feet in open, shallow lagares.  The result is a full-bodied, dry red of incredible richness and a suave, smooth texture. Aged 18 months in small French oak barrels, Marques de Borba Reserva is irresistible on its own and delicious with red meats, casseroles and stews. Decant 45 to 60 minutes. Watch video of Portuguese wine superstar Joao Portugal Ramos at www.jportugalramos.com/en/history.

Joao Portugal Ramos is a superstar of Portuguese wine. Watch the video at www.jportugalramos.com/en/history

The grapes are treaded – much like in Port production – by human feet in open, shallow lagares

Marques de Borba Reserva 2017 is aged 18 months in small French oak barrels