TN: 1997 Colares Chitas Reserva DOC Lisboa red

[Rune EG]

Produced by Antonio Bernardino Paulo da Silva. For more than 10 years I have heard and read about Colares wines with the vines growing in the sand. As it was available at the Wine Monopoly here in Norway I purchased a bottle to try. Costed here NOK 300, which is abt USD 40 / EUR 32. Abt. 300 - 600 bottles being imported each year, and they are sold fairly quick.

100 % Ramisco grapes. Cork was in good condition. Opened with The Durand, but I do not think it was necessary. Decanted 3.5 hrs (which is needed). This is an interesting wine, a bit different than most red wines from Portugal. Medium red with hints of brown colour. Aroma is showing an old bottle with “a dusty stile” with oak and minerals being dominant, and also leather. Medium body. Ripe wine. To some degree powerful and elegant. Lighter style than f. ex. most Douro reds. Well-structured wine and the acidity level is OK (hints of currant). No sweetness. Short to medium length aftertaste. I will not buy more bottles as it is not my style, but it was good to have tried it. 87 pts