Cigarra Red 2015

Portuguese wines are increasing in popularity and, going by this example, it's little wonder. Offering extremely high quality, distinctive wines at fantastic value for money, this country certainly deserves to become as well known for its table wines as for its ports.

This particular red is a smooth, easy-drinking blend of little-known yet fantastic grape varieties, including Castelão, Camarate, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Miúda.

Cigarra hails from the Lisboa region, northwest of Lisbon, which was until recently known as Estremadura. Hugging the Atlantic coast and with hills and mountains further inland, the region offers plenty of cooler, vine-friendly habitats.

The main traditional white varieties in the Lisboa region are Arinto, Fernão Pires, Malvasia, Seara-Nova and Vital, and, for reds, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão, Tinta Miúda, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira, but many other national and foreign grapes are now used.

Casa Santos Lima has been a family business for four generations. Today, under José Luis Oliveira da Silva, it owns several estates covering some 280 hectares in the Alenquer, which is the most prestigious DOC appellation within the Lisboa region.

Deep ruby in colour, Cigarra has very intense and complex aromas of raspberries, cherry and wild fruits. On the palate, the ripe red fruit concentration is well balanced with acidity. Subtle notes come through from the oak ageing and the finish lingers pleasantly.