Until 2009, Ribatejo was a wine region in Portugal. After that time it became known as the Tejo region. Ribatejo covers the same areas as the province of Ribatejo getting its name from the Tejo River. The entire area uses the Vinho Regional designation. The river was renamed in order to increase the international reputation of Ribatejo.
The DOC has retained the name Ribatejo, which removed the old problem of having the identical name applied to wines with two different classification levels. Ribatejo was hit extremely hard by the 1974 revolution. When this occurred, some winemakers didn’t do so well, while others were completely displaced.
Located between the Alentejo VRs and the Lisboa, the Tagus river dominates the region, the river is responsible for the climate of the region which makes it much more temperate and fertile than other regions in Portugal.
The vineyards in Ribatejo are planted in the fertile plains along the river in the alluvial soil. The region is also known for producing an abundance of crops. Wine making in Portugal dates back to Roman times when the winemakers in the region exported their reds and whites all over Europe. By the end of the 13th century, Ribatejo shipped almost 60,000 barrels of wine to England every year.
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Filippino Elio Barbaresco San Cristoforo Riserva
Made from 100% manual harvest Nebbiolo, the wine comes from the hillsides of San Cristoforo hill in Neive enjoying a south-southwest exposure. The fruity bouquet offers subtle notes of violet and raspberries, combining with spicy hints of cinnamon, cocoa and leather. Full, enchanting and elegant taste, intense with a good body.
The best grapes are delicately pressed and the stalks are removed. The must ferments in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 26°C with a maceration of 20 to 25 days. After racking, the new wine is put into 25 e 30 H Slavonian oak casks for long months. Next, it is bottled and left to age for at least an additional 24 months.
Review:
"A medium-to full-bodied red with aromas and flavors of dried cranberries, cherries, citrus peel, violets and licorice. Ultra fine tannins and bright acidity accompany earthy and chewy notes on the palate. Shows structure and intensity. Needs at least three or four years to soften. Try after 2023."
- James Suckling (December 2020), 93 pts
Bastgen Blauschiefer Riesling is 100 percent Riesling.
Bright, clean, fresh and zesty. Grapefruit like flavors. Fruity aromas and a nice minerality, typical of the Riesling grape grown on blue slate soil. Round, rich and a very long finish.
They meticulously tend 4.5 ha (11.11 acres) of which 80% is Riesling. The soil is made of slate. Their vineyards are located in Kesten and Brauneberg, on a steep terrace, and planted to 50-year old vines. Fortunately for Bastgen, they own part of the famous Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr. The vines produce very small, ripe berries that are very tasty.
Review:
"Very enticing nose of ripe pear with some white peach and floral aromas! All the elegance and delicacy we expect from high-quality Mosel riesling, but this light-bodied and dry beauty is only an entry-level wine! Long, refreshing and delicate finish. This will be a bargain in all the markets it reaches. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap. "
- James Sucking (November 2023), 92 pts