Familia Carvalho Martins Golpe Red 2017

Portugal’s Douro Valley is so much more than Port. As the world realizes the potential of the region's emblematic grapes—especially Touriga Nacional— for making high quality dry wines, more producers have made the change. Now as many as half of the wines coming from the Douro Valley are dry. And the quality just keeps getting better.

The Douro Valley has another advantage: the dry climate. The region follows the Douro River inland and is protected from Atlantic winds by coastal mountains. The hot and dry summers and cold winters provide the perfect conditions for sustainable and organic farming.

Golpe by the Carvalho Martins Family exemplifies the quality we are seeing from the region. The family has been growing grapes for four generations. But it wasn’t until more recently when the current generation of two brothers took over the operation that the vineyards realized their full potential as a source of fine dry organic wine.

Golpe means coup in Portuguese, and staging a coup is exactly what the brothers did. Now they control the entire winemaking process, ensuring that each and every wine they produce reflects the terroir, and expresses the minerality and freshness they desire.

This wine is made from 50% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz, 25% Touriga Franca. Savour its flavours of cherry, plum, and boysenberry with notes of baking spice and chocolate. Enjoy it with grilled or roast meats. You can find it at Tommy’s Wine Bar at 1977 Dundas St W, Toronto - $42