Product Overview
Importer's Notes
"Vila Santa was João Portugal Ramos's first wine. The name means “Holy Village,” referring to the nearby ancient city of Estremoz where the famed Miracle of the Roses occurred. In the 13th century, Estremoz was ruled by King Diniz and his wife, Queen Isabel. Isabel was dedicated to helping the poor, but had to hide her generosity from her husband. One day, as Isabel was leaving the castle with an apron full of bread, Diniz appeared and asked to see what she was carrying. Isabel opened her apron, where the bread had miraculously been transformed into roses. Isabel continued her work free from suspicion and was canonized in 1625.
Intense garnet color. Aromas of ripe black fruits blend beautifully with the spiciness imparted by the barrels. Elegant and full bodied with soft tannins. A big, powerful, and full wine. Pairs well with hunting birds (pheasant, quail, partridge), roasted or grilled meat, cheese, and delicatessen (foie gras, pâté, prosciutto)."
Varietal Composition: 25% Aragonez, 25% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Touriga Nacional, 20% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: VR Alentejo, Portugal
Aging: 12 months in new French and American oak barriques
Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/L
Winemaker: João Portugal Ramos
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"This blend of four grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon was wood aged for nine months. Named after the producer's winery, this is a ripe and structured wine, fully integrated. Vanilla and spice are present along with dark chocolate and black-plum fruit flavors. The wine could age further, so drink from 2023. Organic." -RV, 4/1/22
88 Points - Wine Advocate
"The 2018 Vila Santa Reserva is a blend of 30% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Aragonez, 20% Syrah, plus Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon dividing the rest, aged for 12 months in an equal mixture of French and American oak (40% new). It comes in at 14.4% alcohol. Nicely constructed as always, this is elegant and approachable but still firm on the finish. The depth is average, but it never feels thin. About half of this is Syrah and Alicante, and those flavors come through, defining the flavor profile here. Those somewhat distinctive grapes are tightly controlled by their peers, though, and everything remains somewhat muted. Understated but carefully crafted, this is a nice value that can hold easily throughout the decade, maybe more." -MS, 3/31/22
