Cartuxa Evora Colheita Tinto 2019

Cartuxa Evora Colheita Tinto 2019

 

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Cartuxa
Evora Colheita Tinto 2019
  • Vintage : 2019
  • Country : Portugal
  • Region : Alentejo
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 45% Aragones, 40% Alicante Bouschet, 15% Trincadeira

Cartuxa Colheita Tinto is a full-bodied and expressive red, ideal for lovers of powerful wines. Its balance between ripe fruit, tannic structure, and freshness makes it a refined choice.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 91 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Cartuxa Évora Colheita Tinto comes from the prestigious wine region of Alentejo, specifically the Évora sub-appellation, located in southern Portugal. This area is known for its hot Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, dry summers, perfect for cultivating robust grape varieties like Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo), and Trincadeira.

The vineyards are part of the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, planted on granitic soils, which provide the wine with a distinct minerality and well-defined tannic structure. The region’s winemaking tradition dates back to 1517, when the Quinta de Valbom vineyards were established by Jesuits to support the second-oldest university in Portugal.

Winemaking

The Cartuxa Colheita Tinto is a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, and Trincadeira, hand-harvested from the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida vineyards. After reaching optimal ripeness, the grapes are carefully de-stemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats.

This is followed by an extended maceration period, allowing for maximum extraction of flavors and tannins. The wine is then aged for 12 months in barrels and vats, adding depth and complexity, before spending another 9 to 12 months aging in the bottle, ensuring balance and refinement before release.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights.
  • Aroma: A complex bouquet of black plum, crushed cherry, and forest fruits, with subtle floral hints of violet and notes of vanilla from the oak aging.
  • Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with dominant flavors of ripe black fruits, red berries, and a touch of marzipan. The tannins are well-structured, providing a silky yet firm texture, while a fresh acidity balances the fruit’s richness. The finish is long and persistent, with a refined minerality.

Did you know?

The name Cartuxa is derived from the Cartuxa Monastery, established in 1598, where Carthusian monks lived in silence and prayer. The winery, which began producing wines in 1986, is owned by the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, a charitable organization founded in 1963. In addition to its wine production, the foundation is known for its contributions to social and cultural development in the Alentejo region​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled ribeye steak: The wine’s richness and firm tannins complement the juicy, charred flavors of the ribeye, creating a harmonious balance between texture and intensity.
  • Roast lamb with herbs: The black fruit aromas and spicy structure of the wine enhance the robust flavors of roasted lamb, especially when seasoned with rosemary or thyme.
  • Duck cassoulet: The wine’s complexity and depth pair beautifully with rich, slow-cooked meat dishes like cassoulet, balancing the richness with its fresh acidity.
  • Aged sheep’s milk cheese: The concentrated flavors of the wine are an excellent match for the salty, creamy characteristics of aged sheep’s cheese, offering a delightful savory contrast.

History of Cartuxa

The history of Cartuxa is closely tied to the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, founded by Vasco Maria Eugénio de Almeida. The foundation was created with a philanthropic mission to promote social, cultural, and educational development in the Alentejo region. Since taking ownership in 1963, the foundation has not only restored the estate but also ensured its role in producing some of Portugal’s finest wines.

Cartuxa gained international recognition when it revived the legendary Pêra-Manca wine label in 1990. This wine has become synonymous with excellence, especially the Pêra-Manca Tinto, often regarded as one of Portugal’s greatest wines. Historically, the Pêra-Manca wine was said to be on the ships that Pedro Álvares Cabral used when he discovered Brazil in 1500.

Region and Vineyards

Cartuxa’s vineyards are spread across 1,050 hectares of prime Alentejo terroir, with 650 hectares owned directly by the winery and 400 hectares leased long-term. The vineyards are situated in the Alentejo DOC – Évora, a region famous for its hot Mediterranean climate and granitic soils. These conditions are ideal for growing native Portuguese grape varieties like Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Antão Vaz. The combination of old vines and modern viticulture techniques allows Cartuxa to craft wines that reflect the full potential of the region.

Wine Range

Cartuxa offers a diverse range of wines, from their entry-level wines like Foral de Évora to their premium labels such as Cartuxa Colheita and the flagship Pêra-Manca. The winery produces both red and white wines, with an emphasis on indigenous grape varieties. The Pêra-Manca Tinto is particularly revered for its richness, complexity, and longevity, while the Pêra-Manca Branco showcases finesse and balance. The Cartuxa label, which includes both red and white wines, represents the heart of their production, known for their consistency and quality.

Did you know?

The Pêra-Manca wine was once aboard the ships of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the Portuguese explorer who discovered Brazil in 1500. This historical connection adds to the legendary status of Pêra-Manca today, making it one of the most sought-after wines in Portugal and among collectors worldwide.

Robert Parker (RP) : 91 Points (2018)
The 2018 Cartuxa red is a blend of 40% Aragonez, 20% Alicante Bouschet, 30% Trincadeira and the rest Castelão, aged for 12 months in 80% used French oak. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. Elegant, caressing and sensual in texture, this is a perfectly balanced red that doesn't have any one thing hit you over the head, but it always seems hard to put down. This is a great choice for a house pour or restaurant wine. It seems to have more finesse than I've often seen in the past. It should hold well, but I'm less sure it has a lot of potential to improve. Let's lean up for the moment.

Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2021
Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2021
Cartuxa
Pera Manca White 2021
WS
92
RP
94
WE
93
Cartuxa Pêra-Manca White is an iconic wine from Alentejo, combining elegant fruit complexity with remarkable ageing potential, making it a refined expression of Portuguese terroir.
87,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cartuxa Colheita Branco 2022
Cartuxa Colheita Branco 2022
Cartuxa
Colheita Branco 2022
RP
88
The Cartuxa Colheita Branco is a vibrant and refreshing white wine from the Alentejo DOC – Évora, showcasing a beautiful blend of Arinto, Antão Vaz, and Roupeiro grapes. It is an elegant expression of the region’s terroir, with great complexity and balance.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cartuxa Tinto Reserva 2018
Cartuxa Tinto Reserva 2018
Cartuxa
Tinto Reserva 2018
An exceptional showcase of Alentejo’s terroir, this wine combines concentrated flavors of black fruits, spices, and toasted oak with a silky texture and remarkable elegance, making it a standout expression of Portuguese winemaking.
62,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2016
Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2016
Cartuxa
Pera Manca White 2016
RP
92
Cartuxa Pêra-Manca Branco is a prestigious white wine from Alentejo, Portugal, celebrated for its complexity and balance, embodying the legacy of one of Portugal’s most iconic wine brands.
90,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
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31,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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