Casal da Coelheira, Reserva Red, 2020
Casal da Coelheira, Reserva Red, 2020
- 75cl
- 15%
- Red Still
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2032
About Casal da Coelheira, Reserva Red, 2020
From one of Portugal’s rising stars, the Casal da Coelheira Reserva Red 2020 is full-bodied and well-structured. Aging on oak adds lots of structure and its robust profile and smooth finish make it an excellent pairing for grilled meats and hearty dishes.
Currently showing its primary fruit character beautifully, with the oak well-integrated but still providing structure. Over the next 2-3 years, we expect the Touriga varieties' floral complexity to emerge more prominently whilst the tannins soften further. The wine should reach its peak around 2028-2030, when the fruit, oak, and spice elements achieve perfect harmony. After 2032, the primary fruit may begin to fade, though the wine's good acidity suggests it will remain pleasant for several more years.
What the critics say:
"Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Cabernet Sauvignon aged for a year in French and American oak. Brooding blackcurrant and cherry nose with lovely aromatic lift. Supple, ripe and expressive with lovely balance and some nice spicy qualities. There’s good density here showing lovely oak influence right in the background adding a foil to the polished, sweet fruit. Really lovely."
Food Pairings
In the Tejo region, this style of wine would traditionally accompany hearty meat dishes that reflect the area's agricultural heritage. Think slow-braised beef with bay leaves and paprika, or grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary and garlic. The local favourite would be "rojões à moda do Minho" - chunks of pork cooked with cumin and bay leaves - or even a rich "cozido à portuguesa" stew. The wine's structure and spice make it perfect for Portugal's love affair with grilled sardines during summer festivals, while its elegance suits the more refined "cabrito assado" (roast kid goat) served at special occasions.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit and spice to express themselves fully. A brief decant of 30 minutes will help integrate the oak and open up the aromatics, though it's not essential. Use a large Bordeaux glass to give the wine room to breathe and concentrate the aromas. This wine is approachable immediately but will benefit from a few hours of air if you're drinking it tonight.
The Tejo region benefits from a Mediterranean climate moderated by the Tagus River, creating ideal conditions for both indigenous and international varieties. The vineyards sit on clay-limestone soils that provide excellent water retention whilst ensuring good drainage. This terroir combination allows the Touriga varieties to develop their characteristic aromatic intensity whilst the Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and depth to the final blend.
Tejo, formerly known as Ribatejo, is one of Portugal's most dynamic wine regions, stretching along the Tagus River valley. The appellation allows for both traditional Portuguese varieties and international grapes, making it a playground for innovative winemakers. Unlike the more restrictive rules of the Douro or Dão, Tejo's regulations encourage experimentation whilst maintaining quality standards, resulting in wines that showcase both Portuguese character and modern winemaking techniques.
The 2020 vintage in Tejo arrived with the sort of drama that keeps winemakers awake at night, then rewards them handsomely for their persistence. After a relatively mild winter, spring brought welcome rainfall that recharged the region's sandy and clay soils, setting the vines up beautifully for the growing season ahead. Summer heat arrived early and stayed longer than usual, concentrating flavours whilst the Atlantic influence still provided enough cooling relief to preserve that crucial freshness we love in Tejo wines.
What emerged from this vintage is a collection of wines with real backbone and personality. The reds, particularly those from Touriga Nacional and Castelão, show impressive concentration without losing their typical Portuguese vibrancy, whilst the whites from Fernão Pires and Arinto display that lovely tension between ripe fruit and mineral precision that makes Tejo such compelling value. Most 2020s are drinking beautifully now, offering immediate pleasure whilst having enough structure to reward those patient enough to cellar them for another three to five years.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Rich and full-bodied with brooding blackcurrant and cherry fruit, elegant oak influence, and lovely spicy qualities throughout. It's supple and expressive with well-integrated tannins.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop until around 2032. The sweet spot will likely be 2028-2030 when all elements reach perfect harmony.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with grilled meats, particularly lamb or beef. Try it with hearty Portuguese stews, roasted game, or even grilled sardines. The wine's structure makes it perfect for rich, savoury dishes.
Should I decant this wine?
A brief 30-minute decant will help open up the aromatics and integrate the oak, though it's not essential. Serve at 16-18°C in large wine glasses.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Yes, but not for too long. It will reward 2-4 years of cellaring, reaching its peak around 2028-2030. After 2032, drink sooner rather than later.
What makes this producer special?
Casal da Coelheira represents the new wave of Portuguese winemaking, combining traditional varieties with modern techniques. They're gaining recognition as one of Portugal's rising stars for their balanced, sophisticated approach.
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