Alves de Sousa, Vale da Raposa 'Grande Escolha' 2017

Located in the heart of the Douro Valley, the Alves de Sousa family have been making wines in their 25 ha of vineyards named "Quinta da Gaivosa" now for 5 generations. Using a holistic approach to farming by combining nature, a shared history and a personal flair for indigenous grape varieties, Alves de Sousa proudly make properly authentic Portuguese wine. Vale da Raposa 'Grande Escolha' (meaning "Greatest Selection") 2017 is a blend of 15 different grape varieties taken from the best sites across the Alves de Sousa estate, with each vine at least 60 years old. Only made in the very best years, the grapes were hand-harvested and aged for 18 months in new French oak prior to release. A hugely intense, brooding & complex nose of dark black plum, blackberry, violet and tobacco moves to a silkily rich palate with further dark fruit notes and velvety tannins. An incredibly elegant red and one best served with rich meat dishes or mature cheese.