Quinta da Tapada do Barro Tinto, 2020, abv 12.5% Meaning “clay tapestry” from Vila Nova de Tazem, in the Dão. €8.99
Always on the hunt for new wines that hit the proverbial “sweet spot” for the bank account and that also give a big bang for their buck in terms of quality, you can find me regularly perusing the wine aisles.
I discovered this specific wine recently while outsourcing new affordable and delicious wines for an event I am curating in July. While I was scanning the wine selection at Intermarché, I came across Quinta da Tapada do Barro Tinto. I was immediately interested due to the colourful label, the shape of the bottle and the very attractive price tag. So I threw it in my cart and brought it home. Two days later, I opened it alongside a few other bottles and this wine came out as the winner of the line-up! It checks all the boxes, it’s specific to the region it comes from, is well made, clean, delicious and affordable. And, for those of you who look for this, the bottle also has the designation of being vegan, an extra added plus.
A blend of Jaen, Tinto Roriz and Touriga Nacional, this particular wine is a beautiful dark ruby red that’s almost translucent. On the nose, you’re immediately enveloped by the wild and sweet violet floral note that Touriga Nacional is famous for. Then coming quickly behind is fresh, cracked black pepper, liquorice, deep ripe red and purple fruits, and a nutrient-rich black earthy note.
On the palate, they come together to fill the mouth with concentrated red raspberry, dried purple plum and wild ripe black cherry. With a hint of leather and earth, the smooth tannins all lead to a delicious mouth-watering juicy finish.
I recommend serving this wine lightly chilled or at room temperature. It would be well paired with pizza, burgers, roasted pork loin, lamb chops, or char-grilled vegetables with roasted potatoes.
About Candace
Candace Olsen is a wine consultant, sommelier and guide for wine tasting tours and events. Originally from the US and a professional dancer for over 25 years, her career allowed her the opportunity to tour the US, the world and live abroad in Spain, France, Belgium and Japan. It was during this time that she was first introduced to the magic of great wine and food shared across the table with friends and acquaintances.
But, it wasn’t until the end of her performing career in 2014, that Candace was introduced to her first life-changing wine pairing experience, and a true light bulb moment fueled her radical career change. Diving into wine study at the International Wine Center (WSET) and The Court of Master Sommeliers while working at night on Broadway, she slowly worked her way through every wine school in the city and when the show closed in late 2016, she made the leap.
Candace worked as a sommelier, eventually evolving into a buyer, wine director and manager at The Standard—Highline, two Michelin-starred L’Atelier and one Michelin-starred Le Grill de Joël Robuchon, Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, Le Bernardin’s Le Privé, and the Aldo Somm Wine Bar.
Having moved to the Algarve four years ago. Candace devotes her time to learning and exploring all the incredible wines of Portugal and tending her small vineyard in the countryside with her partner and two Portuguese rescue pups, Pepper and Quiejo.
