Cabeça de Toiro D.O.C. Tejo Grande Reserva 2018 (English: Cabeça de Toiro Tejo DOC Grande Reserva 2018) is a premium Portuguese red wine from the Tejo region (formerly Ribatejo), produced by Enoport United Wines (under the Caves Velhas brand) from the Quinta de São João Batista estate in Brogueiro, Torres Novas. The name “Cabeça de Toiro” means “Head of the Bull” or “Bull’s Head.”
Grape Varieties
This Grande Reserva is a blend of:
- Touriga Nacional — 40%
- Syrah — 30%
- Cabernet Sauvignon — 30%
These emblematic varieties contribute structure, fruit intensity, and complexity.
Winemaking and Ageing
The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, which integrates spicy and toasty oak notes with the fruit while maintaining balance. It is a dry wine (residual sugar below 5 g/L). Alcohol content is typically 14–14.5% vol. Harvest comes from carefully selected plots at Quinta S. João Batista.
Tasting Notes (2018 Vintage)
- Appearance: Intense garnet colour.
- Aroma: Deep and complex, with balsamic notes, slight floral hints, plum, spices, and forest fruits. Subtle oak integration adds vanilla and toasted nuances.
- Palate: Smooth and elegant structure with very fine, mature tannins. Layers of black and forest fruits (including damson and sweet plum), peppered spice, good acidity, and a long, persistent, harmonious finish. It feels rich yet balanced, with excellent evolution potential.
Critics describe it as a step above the standard Reserva — more refined, with superior depth and polish thanks to the longer oak ageing and selected grapes.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Excellent with structured Mediterranean dishes, game meats, feathered game, roasted or grilled red meats with mild aromatic seasonings, and mature cheeses. Serve at 18°C.
Awards and Ratings
The 2018 vintage (and similar Grande Reserva releases) has received strong recognition, including:
- Robert Parker — up to 91 points
- Wine Enthusiast — up to 92 points
- Gold medals at Challenge International du Vin and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
It is considered a high-quality, limited-production wine offering excellent value in the $15–30 range depending on the market.
Additional Notes
This is the higher-tier “Grande Reserva” version compared to the standard Cabeça de Toiro Reserva (which often uses Castelão instead of Cabernet Sauvignon and shorter ageing). The 2018 vintage is noted for its ripe fruit, balanced oak, and ageing potential. There are also commemorative editions (e.g., 25 Years) under the same line.