At a glance

Producer

Vale do Armo

Region

Tejo, Portugal

Grape variety

Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Petit Verdot (blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

€20-30 (approx. $22-35 USD)

Tasting profile

Evolved dark fruits (plum, blackberry), secondary leather, spice, mellow oak, gentle tannins, possible dried herb and tobacco notes.

Evolution: Initial vibrant fruit now softened; structure rounded; more earth and savory character; some bottle bouquet.

At peak: At best, elegant, harmonious balance of dark fruit, spice, and gentle structure, but declining freshness. Drink soon for best experience.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium, well-integrated

Alcohol

Medium (approx. 13.5-14%)

Aging potential

Modest for high-end Portuguese blends; 8-12 years estimated. 2009 vintage at the edge of that window.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2026

Optimal window

2012 to 2029

Current status

Mature, nearing end of optimal drinking window

Current condition

Likely at or just past peak; gracefully evolved but may show tertiary notes and declining fruit. Drink soon.

These Tejo region blends are crafted for mid-term cellaring, with primary fruit giving way to tertiary notes after 8-12 years. The 2009 vintage, assuming optimal storage, shows maturity with soft tannins and integrated flavors, but risks further decline. Drink now.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, grilled beef, mushroom risotto, hard cheeses such as Manchego.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine is 16 years old, which suggests it may benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors, despite having medium, well-integrated tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Vale do Armo has implemented water conservation measures typical of the Tejo region (drip irrigation, responsible draw from Tagus River). Some efforts in integrated pest management reported, but not fully organic. Conventional packaging (glass, cork), no special emphasis on lightweight bottles or recycled materials for this vintage.

Vale do Armo, situated in Tejo, leverages renewable river water and both traditional and modern agricultural techniques. No explicit sustainability certification, but regional practice since late 2000s includes measured pesticide/fertilizer use and improved water management. Standard packaging and distribution, with no industry-leading eco-initiatives or certifications. Winery sustainability likely average for Portugal at the time; environmental impact lower than New World imports, but not best-in-class compared to certified producers.