Quinta do Gradil Alicante Bouchet 2020 is a premium Portuguese red wine from the Lisbon wine region. This distinguished red wine is made from 100% Alicante Bouschet grapes and embodies the rich heritage of Portuguese wine tradition. As an IG Lisboa release, it showcases the character of the Lisbon wine region in every bottle. The result is a full-bodied wine with depth, elegance, and a true sense of place.
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Quinta do Gradil Alicante Bouchet comes from one of Lisbon’s most historic estates, Quinta do Gradil, which dates back to the 18th century. The Alicante Bouschet grape (a rare teinturier variety) gives this red wine its deep, loaded color, typical of the grape’s intense pigmentation. The vines grow on sunny slopes near the Serra de Montejunto, benefiting from excellent sun exposure and the Atlantic Ocean’s cooling influence. After careful hand-harvesting and fermentation, the wine is aged for around 9 months in oak barrels and then rests an additional 5 months in bottle before release. This patient winemaking process mellows the tannins and integrates the flavors. The Lisbon wine region terroir with clay soils and Atlantic breezes imparts natural acidity and freshness to balance the wine’s richness. The result is a Portuguese red wine that artfully balances power and finesse.
Tasting Notes
Appearance & Aroma: In the glass, this wine displays a nearly opaque, rich ruby color, a hint at its concentration. The aroma is generous and inviting. Expect floral notes intertwined with ripe wild berries and a subtle hint of graphite or ink-like character – a signature of the Alicante Bouschet grape. There’s also a whisper of exotic spice and dark chocolate as the wine opens up, reflecting its time in oak barrels.
Palate & Finish: Quinta do Gradil Alicante Bouchet 2020 is full-bodied and intense on the palate, yet well-balanced. It bursts with flavors of black fruit think black cherry and blackberry, layered with notes of plum and spicy oak. The tannin structure is firm and robust, giving the wine a solid backbone, but those tannins are polished from barrel aging, yielding a velvety mouthfeel. A bright streak of acidity (thanks to the Atlantic influence on the vineyards) keeps the wine lively, preventing it from feeling heavy. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering touches of spice, vanilla, and black fruit.
Sip after sip, it leaves a savory hint that invites you back for more. Critics have noted the “lovely intensity… with bold spices, bramble and black cherry fruit with a savoury twist,” a profile that earned this vintage a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge. It has also been recognized with a prestigious Grande Ouro (Gold) at a major Portuguese wine competition for its outstanding quality.
Food Pairing
This full-bodied Portuguese red wine is a fantastic companion to hearty cuisine. Its richness and firm tannins make it ideal for red meat dishes. Savor it alongside grilled steak, roasted lamb, or even game meats like venison or wild boar. The wine’s bold flavors and acidity can stand up to fattier dishes, cutting through richness with ease. It’s equally at home with classic Portuguese cuisine – try it with a slow-cooked beef stew or Cozido à Portuguesa for a truly authentic pairing. For cheese lovers, Quinta do Gradil Alicante Bouchet 2020 pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses, such as Cheddar or a hard Portuguese queijo. The wine’s depth complements the nutty, salty character of matured cheeses.
Serving Tips: Serve this wine at about 16–18°C (60–64°F), which is a slightly cool room temperature, to let its aromas shine. We recommend pouring it into a decanter or opening the bottle about 30 minutes before serving. A bit of air will allow the wine to breathe and unlock its full bouquet of dark fruit and spice. As a 2020 vintage, it is drinking beautifully now, but it also has the structure to age gracefully for a few more years if you wish to cellar it.
Where to Buy Quinta do Gradil Alicante Bouchet 2020?
You can purchase this Portuguese red wine right here at Garrafeira da Ilha, where we take pride in offering the best from the Lisbon wine region. We ensure quick, secure shipping so you can enjoy this excellent wine hassle-free. If you’re interested in exploring related wines, consider these selections available on our site:
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Quinta do Gradil Reserva Tinto 2019 – Another top-tier wine from Quinta do Gradil, this reserve red blend from Lisbon offers rich black fruit flavors and smooth tannins, showcasing the winery’s excellence in Portuguese winemaking.
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Porta 6 Reserva – A popular Lisbon red wine known for its dark ruby color and intense wild berry and spice notes, delivering great value and a crowd-pleasing profile.
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Coragem Reserva Tinto – An approachable Portuguese reserve red with a ruby hue, offering ripe blackberry and raspberry aromas with a touch of toasty complexity, and a smooth, satisfying finish.
Each of these wines represents the diversity and quality of Portuguese reds. Add Quinta do Gradil Alicante Bouchet 2020 to your collection today and experience a true gem from the Lisbon wine region that marries tradition, terroir, and winemaking craftsmanship in every sip.
