They said he was ‘aluado’ (‘moon-mad’) but winemaker José Neiva Correia has proven his doubters wrong. You see, inky black Alicante Bouschet is usually found in Portuguese red blends, there to add deep colour and black fruit flavours. Rarely, if ever, is it seen on its own.
That didn’t deter José - a talented winemaker, credited by wine writer Tim Atkin as the man behind Portugal’s wine revolution. José saw potential in this dark Portuguese star and his conviction has paid off.
Aluado is now one of our customers’ favourite reds – with over 1000 5-star reviews and Golds nearly every vintage. The 2023 release even scooped our Portuguese Black Red of the Year award (ahead of some high-calibre competition).
This follow-up release is just as rich, juicy and delicious. Made at José’s family estate, Quinta de Porto Franco, just north of Lisbon, Aluado is bursting with black fruit and gentle notes of spice. Superb with lamb cutlets or hearty casseroles.