At a glance

Producer

Quinta do Carmo (Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, S.A.)

Region

Alentejo, Portugal

Grape variety

Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-35 USD (premium regional red, auction and secondary market range as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Developed aromas of dried red and black fruits, leather, savory herbs, subtle earth, and gentle spice. Palate now soft and tertiary.

Evolution: Primary fruit has softened, giving way to notes of forest floor and tobacco; structure now mellow.

At peak: At peak, showed balance of ripe plum, cocoa, and new oak spice over rich, dark fruit. Now entering elegant, mature phase.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium, integrated, softening with age

Alcohol

Medium-high (typically 14% abv)

Aging potential

10-12 years in good cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2014 to 2027

Optimal window

2012 to 2030

Current status

At or just past peak; suitable for immediate consumption

Current condition

Fully mature; some bottles may show faded fruit or evolving tertiary character

Quinta do Carmo Tinto 2008 is a structured blend built for mid-term to slightly long aging. Its robust Alentejo varietals support maturity up to 10-12 years, with most bottles peaking between 2014-2018. At 16 years old, optimal drinking has passed for many bottles, though well-stored examples offer complexity and softness.

Food pairing

Roast lamb with herbs, braised pork shoulder, rich mushroom dishes, hard cheeses (Manchego, aged Gouda).

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine is 17 years old, which allows for some sediment to have formed. Decanting will help separate the sediment and also allow the wine to aerate, enhancing its flavors and aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal began adopting water conservation guidelines and energy-efficient winemaking in late 2000s, but use of chemical fertilizers and conventional farming common for this period. Recent decades show increased focus on eco-efficient packaging and solar energy.

At time of 2008 harvest, Quinta do Carmo was under the ownership of Bacalhôa, a forward-thinking but not fully certified sustainable producer. Some eco-friendly initiatives were in place, but bulk of production was conventional. Sustainable improvements (certifications, carbon footprint reductions) occurred mostly in later releases. The wine thus receives a moderate sustainability score reflecting partial efforts and regional context for the era.