The Beira Interior, a lesser-known wine region located on the eastern side of Portugal, right below the Douro and above the Alentejo, offers intriguing wines, particularly from notable producer Quinta dos Currais. This estate encompasses 130 hectares, with 30 hectares devoted to vines planted in 1996 on schist soils.
One standout wine is the Quinta dos Currais Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2022, which features a blend of 50% Fonte Cal, 25% Arinto, and 25% Síria. It showcases bright citrus fruit with hints of pear and a subtle yet gripping texture, exhibiting nice acidity and focus, rated 89/100.
Another impressive offering is the Quinta dos Currais Síria 2022, boasting 13.5% alcohol. It presents a bright profile with lemon and grapefruit notes and a twist of apricot and ripe pear, earning a commendable 90/100 for its focused fruit and juicy character.
The Quinta dos Currais Reserva 2020, made primarily from Touriga Nacional (80%), with 15% Aragonez and 5% Castelao, features a spicily layered nose with dense fruit on the palate, showcasing blackberry and black cherry, culminating in firm tannins and a bold finish rated at 89/100.
Furthermore, the Quinta dos Currais Colheita Seleccionada 2021 presents a complex profile of 40% Aragonez, 35% Touriga Nacional, 15% Castelao, and 10% Rufete. Its savory, spicy nose exudes aromatic cedar and tar notes alongside sweet raspberry and blackberry fruit, receiving an 88/100 rating.
Lastly, the Quinta dos Currais Talabara 2019, which has a 15% alcohol content, comprises Touriga Nacional and has been aged for 12 months in French oak. It delivers a robust flavor of sweet black cherry and blackberry, complemented by a rich structure of tasty oak nuances, and is rated 90/100 for its bold intensity.
For more information on the wines of Quinta dos Currais, you can visit Wine Anorak.