Syrah

History

It’s a known fact in viticulture that Syrah does not close its pours even at high temperatures, a phenomena which we have experienced time and again during our many harvests here at Cortes de Cima. In 1991, we were the first ones to plant Syrah in the Alentejo, choosing rootstock from southern Rhone clones.

We produce two pure Syrah varietals in our range. The ‘reserve’ quality which is specially bottled under the ‘Incognito’ label, and is only bottled in exceptional years, and a less concentrated, more popular wine, labeled as a singled varietal – ‘Cortes de Cima Syrah’.

Current Vintage: 2007

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Click here for PDFs of past vintages: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007

Vintage 2007

A cooler and delayed growing season resulted in grapes with lower baumé, and wines with less alcohol but more elegance. Splendid weather at both the start and end of the harvest, of sunny, warm days and cool nights, was interrupted by a spell of inclement thunderstorms. The unusual
September humidity dashed our hopes for a potential superlative vintage, into just a better than average year.

Vinification

Made exclusively from selected Syrah grapes hand picked at optimum maturity from chosen sites in our own vineyards. Fermented without stems under temperature control, frequent delestage, followed by extended skin maceration to enhance varietal fruit characters, and to provide tannin structure and balance. Aged for 8 months in French and American oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Complex aromas of earth, spice and fruit, with a solid textured palate showing red berry fruit, sweet and gamey flavors. Well balanced with a good structure and a long finish.

Appellation: Vinho Regional Alentejano

Varieties: 100% Syrah

Total Acids: 5.6

Final pH: 3.68

Residual Sugars: 3.2

Alcohol: 14 %

Barrel aging: 8 months in French and American oak

Grown, produced and bottled at the family estate.

Bottled unfined and filtered in July 2008

Total Bottles Produced: 20.400 bottles (75 cl)

Release date: February 2010

Unique Code: AVIN6107147763301 [?]

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Awards

Silver Medal – Vinalies China – China 2010

Silver Medal – International Wine Challenge – London 2010

Silver Medal – Challenge Intl. du Vin – Bordeaux 2010

Silver Medal (BEST IN CLASS) – Intl Wine & Spirit Competition – UK 2009

Silver Medal – Concours Mondial Bruxelles – 2009

Silver Medal – International Wine Challenge – London 2009

Bronze Medal – Intl Wine & Spirit Competition – UK 2010

Ratings

90 – Editors Choice – WE 05/2010