The Tamara Estate
Joao Portugal Ramos has been connected to Portuguese wines for more than 20 years, first as a consultant oenologist of well known wines, and since 1992, as a producer.
Alentejo was the region elected to produce his first wines, such as the Marques de Borba, Vila Santa, various Single Varieties, Quinta da Viçosa and Loios.
Afterwards, Ribatejo came along and the main objective was to highlight the wines from this region and make them better known worldwide.
The facility was renovated in 2004 with new wine making and bottling premises in Almeirim (Ribatejo) using the most sophisticated and modern equipment that now allows Falua to produce 1.5 million bottles of red, white and rosé wines of high quality.
The new striking metallic edifice enhances the modernity of the winery and makes Falua stand out from the other more traditional wineries of the area.
The oenologist for Tamara Red is Antonina Barbosa.
The Tamara Vineyard
The grapes come from Ribatejo, in East Central Portugal, along the Tajus river and are grown in sandy soil.
Ribatejo (called Tejo since 2009) is located in the north of Lisbon, with low hills surrounding the Tagus River. Ribatejo is divided into three sub-regions with different characteristics:
- “Campo”: marshy land alongside the river
- “Bairro”: on the right bank of the Tagus River, slightly higher elevation
- “Charneca”: stretches from the Tagus right bank to the Alentejo region.
Vines are grown in all three regions. Falua vines come mainly from “Charneca” that provides with the most favorable soils.
The three different regions “Charneca”, “Bairro” and “Campo” have specific characteristics in the composition of their soils that vary between alluvial, clay and sandy.
They own 100 hectares of vineyards planted with the following varieties: Arinto, Castelão, Trincadeira, Aragonês, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Fernão Pires and Chardonnay.
The climate is mild Mediterranean, and thanks to the proximity of the river, it is characterized by winters with compacted rainfall and dry warm summers.
The average summer temperature runs between 20 and 35ºC.
The insulation varies between 2700 and 2900 hours per year and the rainfall between 600 and 800 mm.
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In 1992 the Hill-Smith family counted themselves amongst those fortunate enough to own a vineyard upon the famous Coonawarra terra rossa soil over limestone. Experimentation, innovation, minimalist intervention and small batch winemaking has resulted in The Menzies’ reputation as a wine of longevity, elegance and structure.
Deep crimson with a plum hue. Aromas of fresh blackcurrants, mulberry, ozone, violets and exotic spices. Take a sip and you will feel the poise and tension for which great Cabernet is renowned. A wine of great complexity with flavors of blackcurrant jubes, bitter chocolate and mulberries, wrapped in divine tannins and a lovely sweet, dark fruit finish. With decanting in its youth it is enjoyable as an elegant full-bodied red wine.
Wonderful with a chargrilled rib eye on the bone or porcini mushroom, thyme and quinoa risotto.
Review:
Prune plums and blackcurrants. Violets, lavender leaf and black cherry. Olive tapenade, rosemary and crushed black peppercorn. The wine is held together by a fine mesh of grape and subtle oak tannins, intertwined with pure Coonawarra cabernet fruit. It’s chiselled in its dimension, and you might miss it, as it has such great drinking pleasure. Fruit purity, lovingly handled equals total seduction.
- Australian Wine Companion 95 Points
Busi Chianti Rufina Riserva is made from 100% Sangiovese
Vineyards: Travignoli, a name which literally means “Tra Vignoli” (between the vineyards) is located in the middle of Frescobaldi’s Nipozzano vineyard in the heart of the Rufina zone. There is documented evidence that wine was first produced there in the 5th C BC by the Etruscans who called it “Nectar of the Gods”. The Church acquired the land and constructed the cellars in 1100.
Count Busi and his family acquired the estate in the 1800’s. Overall, 91
hectares belong to the estate. The 60 hectares of vineyards are excellently
position on the slopes with a southerly exposure at an elevation between 270 to 370 meters. Clay, marl and calcareous soil with a large percentage of rocks and stones for good drainage. Vines are an average of 10–25 years old.
Harvest: October– by hand.
Yield per hectare: 40 Quintals per hectare
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures for 7 to 8 days with an additional 7 to 8 days on the skins. The wine is then racked and goes through malolactic. It is then racked again and stays another 3 months in stainless steel.
Aging: 25 to 30 hectoliter barrels of Slavonian oak for 18 months and 3 months in Allier barriques. There is a period of refinement of 4 to 5 months in the bottle.
Alcohol: 13% by vol.
Color: Ruby red with garnet reflections.
Bouquet: Intense, ethereal bouquet with hints of leather, tar and ripe cherry fruit.
Taste: The flavor is full of mature fruit with nuances of leather and liquorice. The taste is complex and round and rich with character. The finish is persistent and satisfying.
Foods: Grilled, braised or roasted meats, dishes flavored with mushrooms, or rosemary. Excellent with polenta dishes.
Total Production: 3,300 cases
Enologist: Mauro Orsoni