José de Sousa Puro Talha Tinto 2017
José de Sousa Puro Talha Tinto 2017
Puro Tinto follows the path begun by ‘J’ using the same old vineyard, the red grapes from the old mixed variety ‘José de Sousa Vineyard’ planted in 1952/53. It also is produced by foot treading in lagars, with 30% addition of stems, and 100% fermentation in talha. Where it significantly departs is by following Vinho de Talha DOC certification after St. Martin's Day and maturation in large 600-liter Portuguese chestnut barrels.
13.5% Vinho de Talha DOC. This vintage more or less followed the formula from 2015, increasing Moreto ratio to freshen up the wine. It also traded Trincadiera for Aragonês (Tempranillo) stems for structure and spice. Still a baby, offering a spicy mix of fresh and ripe mulberry and red fruit characters, full fleshy body underpinned with long-grained, super-fine tannins and juicy finish. Quite elegant and remarkably low alcohol from a hot year and hot region! Bottled in October 2021. Excellent all round and reminiscent of the Rosado Fernandes wines of the past. Grapes are from ‘José de Sousa Vineyard’ planted in 1952/53. Retasted 11.22. Although still juicy, the wine has taken on additional darker, dried fruit and date characters, while still retaining tons of finesse. 96