Casa Ermelinda Vinha da Fonte Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional in its pure form: Portugal's most important red wine variety, here as a single-vineyard wine from Casa Ermelinda Freitas from the Península de Setúbal south of Lisbon.

The family winery Casa Ermelinda Freitas is one of the most consistent addresses in the region – consistently focusing on Portuguese grape varieties, with Touriga Nacional as the flagship. The Vinha da Fonte site provides concentrated grapes with distinct varietal typicity.

In the glass, a dense ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose, blackberry, black plum, and violets – the classic Touriga profile – supplemented by cedar wood, vanilla, and a hint of sweet spices from wood aging. On the palate, dense and juicy, with firm but ripe tannins and a supporting acidity. The finish is long, slightly spicy, with lasting dark fruit.

Best served at 16–18 °C. Pairs with braised lamb rack, Ibérico pork roast, or mature Manchego. If you like, open the bottle an hour beforehand or decant briefly – the wine opens up noticeably with air.