Text João Pedro de Carvalho | Translation Bruno Ferreira

Once upon a time, in a land far away named Alentejo wine region were conjured some “fairy godmothers” and each one of them had the power to create their own Adega Cooperativa. Thus were created the Cooperativa de Borba, Portalegre, Redondo, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Granja/Amareleja e Vidigueira. For decades these cellars were the epitome of the subregions of where they were inserted, the wines differed among themselves and showed with panache the characteristics of these regions and grape varieties which back then were almost unique to one or the other. Then came the dark times, the magic that was wrapping the Adegas Cooperativas got lost because of the stoppage in time, which literally swallowed the vast majority. Added to all this, a new wave of producers hungry for recognition has led to a wave of new labels to appearing on the shelves at breakneck speed. The consumer, the consumer got confused and not knowing where to turn. On the one hand he had at hand the wines that he always used to have at the table, on the other hand there were also many “toys” calling out for the consumer’s attention. So, the much needed investment in expansion and renewal of the Adegas Cooperativas portfolio went through, with the introduction of new products but essentially with the redesign of the entire image, which meant a breath of fresh air bringing back to life some of them.

The Adega de Vidigueira is one of this cases with happy “ending”, where the renewal was put into place and which is now showing its results. I recall you that is was recently considered the “Cooperativa of the Year 2015” by Revista de Vinhos. On a journey that tries to bring closer the cellar and its village, Vidigueira, to the achievements of other times, to the link with Vasco da Gama – the Count of Vidigueira – the intention is to fulfill the discovery promise and claim a region so deeply marked by the culture wine. The portfolio was thus divided into seven acts (O Prenúncio | A Partida | A Saudade | A Inspiração | A Decisão …) that connect themselves through a journey around the region, culture and history, always a state of discovery.

Vidigueira Alicante Bouschet 2014 – Photo by João Pedro de Carvalho | All Rights Reserved

Vidigueira Reserva 2014 – Photo by João Pedro de Carvalho | All Rights Reserved

In Act IV – Inspiration comes this Vidigueira Alicante Bouschet 2014 showing all of the grape variety’s temperament, austerity with very ripe fruit along with jam, cocoa, and needing some time in the glass because it is initially very wrapped in a very fresh mantle. A wine that is as intense as gluttonous, young and ready to last in the bottle, the palate is full of energy meaning it is a good match for good seasoning dishes. In Act VI – Bonança arises Vidigueira Reserva 2014, a 12 months aged in new French oak barrels 100% Syrah. A beautiful wine with everything to please and conquer immediately, full and fleshy, very juicy and gluttonous with fruit bursting with flavor in the mouth, warm and silky touch resulting in a wine with beautiful structure and firmness. The freshness packs it all without letting the fruit fall into ordinary temptations, juicy, complex and dangerously attractive, opulent and lustful Syrah. To be opened in a time where bonanza deserves to be celebrated.

Contacts
Bairro Indústrial
7960-305 Vidigueira
Tel: (+351) 284 437 240
Fax. (+351) 284 437 249
E-mail: geral@adegavidigueira.pt
Website: www.adegavidigueira.com.pt