Casal da Coelheira, Red, 2022
Casal da Coelheira, Red, 2022
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2030
Casal da Coelheira's 2022 Red is a smooth, easygoing Portuguese red that leans into ripe fruit and soft structure. Expect plenty of blackberry and plum, with a touch of spice and a gentle, rounded finish. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced and made to be enjoyed without overthinking it.
A great all-rounder at the table, it works well with grilled meats, sausages, or a simple roast chicken, and is equally good with vegetable dishes like roasted peppers or aubergine. A relaxed, versatile red that fits just about any occasion.
This 2022 is drinking beautifully now, with the primary fruit flavours at their most vibrant and appealing. Over the next two to three years, the blackberry and plum will integrate further with the gentle spice, creating a harmonious, mellow character. Don't expect dramatic secondary development - this wine is designed for near-term pleasure rather than long cellaring. After 2030, the fruit may start to fade without gaining compensating complexity, so enjoy it while the generous Portuguese sunshine is still evident in the glass.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby red with good clarity and a youthful purple edge.
NoseRipe blackberry and plum dominate, with gentle spice and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. There's a clean, fresh quality that speaks to careful winemaking. No oak interference, just pure fruit expression.
PalateMedium-bodied with soft, approachable tannins that never get in the way of the fruit. The blackberry and plum flavours carry through with good persistence, joined by subtle pepper and dried herb notes. Well-balanced acidity keeps it fresh and food-friendly.
FinishGentle and rounded, with lingering fruit and just a touch of spice.
Overall impressionAn easygoing, versatile red that delivers exactly what it promises without any fuss.
Food Pairings
In the Tejo region, this style of wine would traditionally accompany hearty Portuguese dishes like cozido à portuguesa (mixed meat and vegetable stew) or grilled chouriço sausages. Locals might pair it with bifana (pork sandwiches), roasted lamb with herbs, or the region's famous migas (fried breadcrumbs with garlic and herbs). The wine's soft tannins and ripe fruit make it perfect for Portugal's rustic, flavourful cuisine that relies on good ingredients simply prepared.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C, slightly cooler than room temperature to keep the fruit fresh. No need to decant - this wine is ready to pour and enjoy immediately. Use medium-sized red wine glasses to concentrate the aromas without overwhelming the gentle character.
The Tejo region benefits from a warm, continental climate moderated by Atlantic influence, with fertile alluvial soils along the Tagus River valley. These conditions favour ripe, generous fruit flavours while maintaining enough acidity for balance. The combination of warmth and good water retention allows grapes to ripen fully without losing freshness, creating wines with immediate appeal and soft, approachable structure.
The Tejo DOC covers the fertile plains along Portugal's Tagus River, traditionally known for producing generous, everyday wines. Unlike the more austere styles of the Douro or Dão, Tejo specialises in approachable reds that showcase ripe fruit and soft tannins. The region has modernised significantly in recent decades, with many producers focusing on quality over quantity while maintaining the area's reputation for accessible, food-friendly wines.
The 2022 growing season in Tejo brought the kind of heat that makes winemakers grateful for those Atlantic breezes rolling up the Tagus valley. Summer temperatures soared well above average, creating genuine stress for the vines, but the region's experienced growers managed the challenge with careful canopy work and judicious irrigation where possible. Harvest came early and fast, with picking crews working dawn shifts to capture fruit before the day's heat could sap the natural acidity that keeps these wines lively.
What emerged from the cellars shows Tejo's knack for turning challenging years into characterful ones. The reds, particularly Touriga Nacional and Castelão, show concentrated fruit wrapped in firm tannins that will need a couple of years to settle down properly. The whites fared better than expected, with Fernão Pires delivering its usual crowd-pleasing aromatics whilst Arinto kept enough backbone to age gracefully. We're drinking the whites now with real pleasure, but the reds want until 2025 at least to show their best.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Smooth and easygoing with ripe blackberry and plum flavours, gentle spice, and soft tannins that make it immediately approachable.
When should I drink this wine?
It's perfect to drink now and will remain at its best for the next three to four years while the fruit stays fresh and vibrant.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Very versatile - works brilliantly with grilled meats, sausages, roast chicken, and vegetable dishes like roasted peppers or aubergine.
Does this wine need decanting?
No decanting needed - just serve at 16-17°C in medium red wine glasses and enjoy immediately.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
This is designed for near-term pleasure rather than long aging. Drink it over the next few years while the generous fruit character is at its peak.
What makes Portuguese wine special?
Portugal's unique grape varieties and warm climate create wines with distinctive character - this blend showcases the country's talent for accessible, food-friendly reds.
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