At a glance

Producer

Vale do Armo

Region

Tejo, Portugal

Grape variety

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$15-$25 USD (as of latest available market data)

Tasting profile

Dried red and black fruits, stewed plum, notes of leather and tobacco, subtle spice. Still held together by gentle tannin and moderate acidity.

Evolution: Transitioned from primary fruit to developed secondary/tertiary characteristics. Fruit may be fading but overall in balance if stored properly.

At peak: Wine was at peak 2016-2021; currently showing best as a mature, food-friendly red.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium

Alcohol

13.5% ABV (approximate typical for this cuvée)

Aging potential

Structured for mid-term aging, peaks at 8-10 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2021 to 2030

Optimal window

2017 to 2033

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Mature, integrated, tertiary notes likely evident; some freshness retained

This blend from Tejo is crafted for balanced early and mid-term drinking with enough structure for some tertiary complexity at age. After roughly 10-12 years, most bottles reach maturity, with fruit giving way to savory, earthy layers typical of aged Portuguese reds.

Food pairing

Grilled meats, roast pork, lamb, hard cheeses, hearty Mediterranean dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine is 14 years old, which may benefit from decanting to aerate and soften the medium tannins, enhancing its flavors and aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Vale do Armo estates have made efforts towards integrated pest management, reduced chemical use, and increased biodiversity in recent years. This was emerging in 2011 but not broadly formalized. Use of local indigenous varieties reduces input needs. Some improvements in water use and energy, but not industry-leading for that period.

While Vale do Armo has taken positive steps recently, the 2011 vintage predates their deeper sustainability commitments and certifications. The estate practices traditional viticulture with some ecological mindfulness, moderate chemical intervention, and increasing biodiversity. However, without formal certification and considering standard packaging and export, sustainability metrics for 2011 are mid-level. Improvement is seen in more recent vintages—with ongoing progress.