HERDADE DO ROCIM MARIANA RED 750ML

I finally met Pedro Ribeiro (of Rocim) in person, and within a few minutes I realized he wasn’t just another talented trendy winemaker — I was talking to one of the most respected figures in Portuguese wine. While I love my reds from the Douro, Bairrada, and Dão, it’s hard to beat Alentejo for its price bucket. Sure, a lot of the region’s bulk wines are overripe and chunky, but then there’s the pretty stuff: wines from the surprisingly cool pockets, like Rocim’s Vidigueira Fault, made with freshness in mind. Mariana Tinto is a blend of Alentejo’s “big four” red grapes — Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, and Trincadeira, organically farmed on crumbly granite and schist soils. The result is a perfectly medium-bodied red that’s almost impossible not to like, whether you’re a Pinot nerd or Cabernet freak. In all of Rocim's red wines, the texture is undeniable. They are sneakily soft and creamy, while being generous with their brambly goodness and umami spice. Mariana Red reminds me of a very good Côtes-du-Rhône, but better. So, next time you’re looking for an all-around tasty red, don’t forget to visit Portugal and drive by Alentejo! ~Allegra Angelo