Casa Cadaval Padre Pedro Tejo Tinto 2015

Located 50 miles north of Lisbon, this traditional Tejo winery produces value-driven yet complex wines. Casa Cadaval has been in the family of Alvares Pereira de Melo since 1648. In addition to more than 100 acres of vineyards, this vast estate also raises cork trees as well as olive oil, rice and vegetables. One of the world’s oldest breeders of Lusitano horses, Casa Cadaval celebrates this on the label of Padre Pedro. Formerly known as Ribatejo, Portugal’s Tejo wine region lies on both sides of the river Tagus. It is the oldest and largest of Portugal's wine regions. The most prevalent grape for white wines is the local Fernão Pires, followed by Arinto, Alicante Branco, Tália, Trincadeira das Pratas, Verdelho and Vital. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown. As for the reds, Touriga Nacional is wildly popular, as are Trincadeira, Tinta Roriz (sometimes called Aragonez), and Castelão. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet also thrive there.

For the Pedro Pedro Tinto, the grapes are hand harvested and the fruit is de-stemmed. Four grapes are blended including local grapes and French varieties: Aragónez, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. We found juicy, upfront red fruits mingling with sweet herbs, vanilla and white pepper, reminding us of a Côte du Rhône or Provence red. Aged in a little bit of oak, this smooth, charming tasty red will pair well with grilled foods, Italian fare, pizza and more.