Barb Wild’s Weekly Pick Is Cerejeiras Tinto

Barb Wild has another bargain of a suggestion! Cerejeiras Tinto 2017! Read more on wine on The Good Wine Gal site, and her previous picks are here.

A few years ago I was acting manager of a little fine wine shop in West Vancouver. I loved the shop because it was sleepy. That meant we maybe had 40 customers a day. That meant each customer spent 30 minutes in the shop learning and discovering wine. That meant  agents would pop by and share their newest bottles regularly sometimes bringing customers into the tasting experience. At this shop you might arrive a stranger but you would leave a friend. That was the gift of a sleepy shop. Not to mention home to some of the best, most desirable bottles in the city, including, Cerejeiras Tinto.

It was at this shop that I met Jessica Luongo for the first time. She and Marisa became regular visitors and introduced me to Quinta do Sanguinhal and Cerejeiras Tinto. My first taste sold me. I liked the full body good fruit and savory flavours. This I could drink on its own or with food. Then I heard the price at which point I ordered 4 cases and introduced “C” to my customers. At $14.99 a bottle, it grew legs and walked out the door.

Here are the details: Located in Lisboa DOP Quinta do Sanguinhal has been making wine for a hundred years. Care and attention to detail are evident in the wines.

What’s in Cerejeiras Tinto: It’s made from Portuguese grapes. Not confident in pronouncing the names …no worries.
Castello makes up 60% of the blend. It is similar to Barbera or ripe Cabernet Franc
Aragonez is 30% and another name for Tempranillo so think Rioja. It’s known for its earthy cherry notes, medium acidity and body and ageability.
Touriga Nacional is the final 10%, last but definitely not least. This is Portugal’s top quality grape that acts like Petit Verdot in this case bringing richness and deep dark fruit character and structure to the blend.. A little goes a long way.

Cerejeiras Tinto Vintage 2017 is vegan friendly. If you like Spanish wine, you will love this.

Tasting notes: Medium alcohol medium acidity. Full body smooth tannins. Ripe red cherry and blackberry. Good balance and lingering finish

Price: Bargain at $14.99 and available at private wine shops in BC

Where you can find Cerejeiras Tinto: Last time I checked Legacy Liquor Store had bottles. Check out Liberty Wine Merchants both Lonsdale and Granville Island. Prices may vary. It’s still worth it.