DAN'S WINE BLOG- THIS WEEK'S WINE REVIEW

2024-09-13

Hands up those of you who have hear of the grape variety #alfrocheiro? Not many, I’ll wager!

It full name is Alfrocheiro Preto, but everybody calls it Alfrocheiro- which is sufficiently tongue twisting as it is.Alfrocheiro is a native Portuguese red grape variety which according to “Which Wine grapes are grown Where” By Kym Anderson et al, has around 1,188 hectares planted globally (almost all in Portugal, with some in Spain) and is # 244 in the world ranking of grapes planted.

Grown mainly in the regions of Dao & Aletejano, Alfroceiro is know for its deep dense colouring and is usually added to Portuguese red blend to enhance the depth of colour of that wine. Being native Portuguese, it laps up hot dry growing conditions such as those encountered in many regions of Australia.

Here in Australia, there are only two growers that I am aware of, Wines by Farquhar in the Barossa and #BasshamWines in the Riverland Wine region. It is the BASSHAM WINES 2021 RIVERLAND ALFROCHEIRO that is this week’s wine review. The is bright purple red in colour, has a big lively bouquet with interesting aromas of cherry ripe, a hint of tinned salmon and the merest hint of rose petals. On the palate it is ever so slightly acidic, with lashings of flavour and a dollop of earthiness, making it a very attractive drinking food wine. It could, in my opinion be described as a warm climate Pinot Noir with an extra splash of vibrant spices.

VERY APPEALING.

Despite the challenge of remembering and pronouncing its name I am sure that Alfrocheiro has a bright future here in Australia.

To check out this wine, or any of the other amazing array of #emergingvarieties from Val & Bruce Bassham go to www.basshamwines.com