Deep ruby color; red fruits, plum, spice on the nose; black cherry, blackberry, plum, chocolate on the palate.
Dry; moderate tannins; good acidity (3.69pH). Blend of 65% alicante bouschet (a grape that shines in the Alentejo region of Portugal) and 20% touriga nacional with 15% tinta caiada thrown in. Aged 14-18 months in 60% new French oak, American oak, and used Portuguese oak. Full bodied. Nicely lingering finish with balance; 14.5% ABV.
Carmim–Cooperative Agrícola de Reguengos de Monsaraz—was created in 1971 by group of 60 wine growers in the region. This is common in Old World. Wine growers do not have enough acreage to support an independent winery and all the accompanying costs of marketing and distribution. They form a cooperative that gives them the volume needed. The alternative is to sell juice/grapes to a négociant who bottles under his/her own label.
Today, Carmim has some 850 members with 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres) of vineyards. The entire operation includes more than 900 members and, in addition to wine, produces olive oils and brandy. The cooperative’s facility is impressive, capable of producing 21,000 bottles an hour and storing more than 8.7 million gallons of wine.
Carmim plays in the Portuguese market and more than 34 countries. Brands include Monsaraz Premium, Espumante Monsaraz, Garrafeira dos Sócios, Bom Juiz, Régia Colheita, Monsaraz Millennium, Monsaraz, Reguengos, Terras d’el Rei and Olaria. There are also the single variety Monsaraz wines – Gouveio, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah – as well as the Marc Brandy Terras d’el Rei, the Reguengos Licoroso, the Marc Brandy Vínica Velha and CARMIM’s forty anniversary edition Vinho Licoroso (Liqueur Wine). In addition, CARMIM also produces quality olive oil on the Terras d’el Rei and Monsaraz ranges.
Carmim Reguengos Garrafeira dos Sócios Vinho Tinto Alentejo DOC 2014 delivers boldness, relaxed tannins. Nicely balanced and correct with classic Portuguese grapes. Portuguese—and Spanish—wines are monster values. Solid red without being overpowering. Full, round, silky. Works nicely with food. Pair with red meats; beef stews; wild game; lamb; veal; poultry. $25
