Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro Tinto 2022 – Amphora-Aged Lisbon Red
Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro Tinto 2022 is a Portuguese red wine that showcases the rare Alfrocheiro grape outside its traditional Dão home. This limited-edition red is crafted in the Lisbon region, offering a bold yet elegant expression of Alfrocheiro. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in clay amphoras, a technique that preserves purity of fruit and refines the tannins. Each bottle of this Lisbon red wine reflects a blend of innovation and heritage, embodying the spirit of the Saltimbancos series.
Tasting Notes – Elegant and Complex
In the glass, Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro Tinto shows a deep ruby color. The aroma is layered and sophisticated – look for notes of truffle and dark chocolate alongside ripe black plum and subtle forest floor hints. These elegant aromas signal the slight evolution and complexity achieved through amphora aging. On the palate, the wine is balanced and fresh, with well-integrated acidity that gives it lift. The tannins are polished and velvety, providing structure without heaviness. This Alfrocheiro finishes with lively length and elegance, leaving impressions of dark berry fruit, a whisper of minty spice, and a smooth, refined aftertaste. Despite its 14.5% ABV, it remains harmonious, showcasing richness and freshness in equal measure.
Winemaking – 12 Months in Clay Amphora
Quinta do Gradil employed a meticulous approach to craft this wine. After fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro Tinto 2022 was aged for a full year in traditional clay amphorae instead of oak barrels. This amphora aging is key to the wine’s character: it gently oxygenates the wine without imparting oak flavors, allowing the pure Alfrocheiro fruit and terroir nuances to shine. The result is a red with smooth tannins and clear notes of earth and cocoa, unmasked by wood. Production is limited, highlighting the winery’s dedication to quality over quantity. Each vintage in the Saltimbancos range is only made when the grape’s character justifies it – and 2022 provided fruit of exceptional depth. The careful amphora aging technique pays homage to ancient winemaking traditions while delivering a modern, polished profile.
The Saltimbancos Story – Heritage Meets Innovation
The Saltimbancos label celebrates adaptation and character in Portuguese wine. Quinta do Gradil, one of Lisbon’s historic estates (dating back to the 17th century), created this range to spotlight unique grape varieties. The name “Saltimbancos” was inspired by a poem written by a former estate owner, Isidoro Maria de Oliveira, reflecting a festive, artistic spirit. Each wine in the series is like an itinerant performer – “each character in this range of Saltimbancos will appear whenever justified,” as the winemakers put it. In other words, they only bottle a Saltimbancos varietal when the vintage and grape show something truly special.
The 2022 Alfrocheiro is one such character, bringing a Dão-born grape to new life in Lisbon’s soils. The estate’s vineyards lie on clay-rich slopes at the foothills of Serra de Montejunto, benefitting from abundant sun and cooling Atlantic breezes. This terroir imparts natural freshness and minerality to the wine, balancing Alfrocheiro’s ripe fruit with vibrant acidity. Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro Tinto 2022 is not only a tribute to Portuguese winemaking heritage (through the poem and native grape), but also a symbol of innovation, marrying a less-common variety with an unconventional aging method in a modern Lisbon red.
Food Pairing Suggestions
This Portuguese red wine is versatile at the table, pairing well with hearty dishes and gourmet fare alike. Consider these pairing ideas to make the most of its elegant profile:
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Herb-Roasted Lamb or Venison – The wine’s truffle and dark chocolate nuances complement gamey, savory flavors.
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Wild Mushroom Risotto or Truffle Pasta – Echoes the earthy notes of the wine and highlights its smooth, polished tannins.
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Aged Cheeses and Charcuterie – Hard cheeses (like aged cheddar or São Jorge) and cured meats balance the wine’s acidity and bring out its fruit complexity.
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Braised Duck or Pork with Herbs – The wine’s freshness and structure cut through richer fatty meats, while its subtle spice complements herbaceous seasoning.
Serving at about 16–18°C (60–64°F) will best showcase the wine’s aromas and texture. A gentle decanting can help open up the layers of aroma in this Alfrocheiro, though it is already approachable and smooth.
Compare with Other Alfrocheiro and Dão Wines
If you appreciate the distinctive character of Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro Tinto 2022, you might also enjoy exploring how this grape shines in its traditional terroir. For instance, Munda Alfrocheiro – Dão Red Wine offers an elegant Dão-region expression of the Alfrocheiro variety. Tasting a Dão Alfrocheiro side by side with this Lisbon rendition can highlight the grape’s versatility – Dão wines tend to emphasize floral notes and finesse, while this Quinta do Gradil version shows a bolder profile with amphora-induced depth. Additionally, Quinta do Gradil is known for innovative reds beyond Alfrocheiro.
A great example is the Quinta do Gradil Tannat Tinto 2021, another limited Lisbon red made from an unusual grape (Tannat) in Portuguese viticulture. Comparing Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro with the estate’s Tannat or other Portuguese red wines in our catalog can be a delightful journey for any wine enthusiast. Each bottle tells a story of regional character and winemaking creativity. Enjoy discovering the contrasts and complements among these unique Portuguese reds and savor the one-of-a-kind experience that Saltimbancos Alfrocheiro Tinto 2022 delivers.
