Text João Pedro de Carvalho | Translation Jani Dunne

On the 22^nd April, Quinta de Covela came to Lisbon to present their wines harvested in 2014. The tasting of the single-species and the Quinta da Covela rosé was held in one of Lisbon’s icons in cuisine, Cervejaria Ramiro. Following an introduction by viticulturer Gonçalo Sousa Lopes and oenologist Rui Cunha, we were guided by the entire team. 2014 was a very good year; it rained at the right time, alternating with heat, which slowed the ageing of the grapes down and, I dare say, perfectly. The result is out: refreshing wines of very defined, crystal clear scents and flavours, and a natural inclination to be served with food. Demand for these wines is on the rise, while its current production is still low, given the necessary replantation because of the bad state in which about 40% of the vineyard was found.

First of all, there was a mano a mano between the Covela Avesso Edição Nacional, of the 2013 harvest (magnum bottle) and that of 2014. The difference was a more serious and cohesive Avesso 2013, much fatter fruit (citrus and apple) with undefined aroma, of a slightly austere combination in the mouth and a dry aftertaste.

Covela Edição Nacional Avesso 2014 shone with very pure, almost crystal-clear aromas, a very floral and perfumed touch, the fruit in the spotlight; very refreshing and charismatic, and somewhat mineral in the background. This cohesive combination is full of life, has a lively mouth and a very tasty, dry aftertaste, which goes well with food, which was to be served next: the wine proved quite graceful together with Amêijoas À Bulhão Pato (Bulhão Pato-style clams).

The next wine reveals an Arinto-like tone; very austere and energetic, this new Covela Arinto Edição Nacional 2014. It is very refreshing within such a new combination. The base is citrusy with some floral, although the whole mix still needs some more time. For now, the mineral tone in the background is the most enhanced feature thanks to the energy it creates in the mouth. This white has a good athletic build, while being quite less playful with aromas than Avesso. In this case, perhaps more substantial meals are in order, as was proven with Gambas al Ajillo (Ajillo-style prawns).

Another new product is Covela Rosé 2014, made from Touriga Nacional, which is prematurely harvested especially to make this wine. A successful case and one of the best rosés made in Portugal, its winning features being youth, freshness and gentleness; very detailed scents and flavours, a delicate floral with that remarkable freshness. A balanced fruit-acidity palate and a pleasant presence, maintaining that dry aftertaste in the mouth, which revives the palate and makes for great potential in cuisine.

Contacts
LIMA SMITH Lda.
Quinta de Covela,
S. Tomé de Covelas
4640-211 BAIÃO
Tel: (+351) 254 886 298
E-mail: info@covela.pt
Website: www.covela.pt