Cortes de Cima "Chaminé" Vinho Regional Alentejano Tinto '20

I’m excited to reintroduce the wines of Cortes de Cima, based in Vidigueira. in the Alentejo region of Portugal. This well-established winery changed its trajectory five years ago when Anna Jørgensen took over from her parents. Here is a little backstory on the changes from Anna.

“Since the end of 2019, we turned the page through a shift of focus away from the more conventional and intensive form of farming of the past towards holistic, regenerative, and organic agriculture, a return to the roots of the old farm. We are guided by biodynamic farming principles, reviving old traditions and preserving the genetic diversity and heritage of the region. We are bringing back the animals and embracing polyculture in order to create a healthy ecosystem, a green lung in our beloved Alentejo. 
 
We aim to produce quality wine that speaks of place. We focus on growing the best quality fruit in the vineyards, representing the site’s purest form and climatic conditions of the year. In the cellar, our goal is to preserve that quality all the way to the bottle. We aim to make fresh and elegant wines in a warm climate, showcasing the diversity of our terroirs and preserving the vitality that comes from thoughtful farming practices. An ode to the pre-1990s Alentejo, before power and opulence became a mainstay.”  

The “everyday” values at Cortes de Cima start with the line called Chaminé. There is a white and red version of each. For this month’s wine club, we chose “Chaminé” Tinto, a blend of Syrah, Touriga Franca, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet. Fermented naturally, using 30% whole cluster, the wine is aged first for a year in used French barrels, then in tank for an additional year. 

A pure expression of Alentejo. Beautiful and complex aromas of dark cherry, tomato paste, and herbs. The palate is soft and bright, with notes of red fruit, menthol, and wild herbs. This is a phenomenal food wine, pair it with aged hard cheeses, a vegetarian stuffed pepper dish, or lamb kofta.