Herdade do Carvalhal

Fernando Soares shapes the program at Herdade do Carvalhal in Urra, Alentejo. The house works with Aragonês, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouchet. Fonte Seca Escolha 2015, a Vinho Regional Alentejano at 13.5% alcohol, begins with grapes transported in 20 kg boxes and subjected to thermal shock in a refrigerated chamber before destemming. Fermentation happens separately by varietal at controlled temperatures. Thirty percent of the blend aged in oak for four months. The wine remains unfiltered. Fonte Seca Reserva 2007, classified as Vinho Regional Alentejano Reserva, also carries 13.5% alcohol.