The name “Dezassete” (seventeen) refers to its 17% alcohol content. It is produced in special years when grapes achieve high sugar levels while maintaining balance and freshness under the hot Alentejo sun. The 2022 vintage is noted for its concentration and richness.
Technical Details
- Country / Region: Portugal, IGT Alentejano (Alentejo)
- Producer: Casa Relvas (Alexandre Relvas)
- Grape Varieties: Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira
- Soil: Clay-schist / clay-limestone (Vidigueira area)
- Winemaking: Manual harvest, total destemming, 48-hour pre-fermentative maceration, alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperature (22–28 °C) in lagares with pigeage, malolactic fermentation in barrel
- Aging: 9 months in large tonéis (wooden vats)
- Alcohol: 17% vol.
- Winemaker: Nuno Franco
Tasting Notes
Intense ruby color with violet hints. Complex aroma of red fruits with earthy and balsamic notes. On the palate it shows remarkable freshness, excellent structure and balance, high-quality tannins, and a complex, elegant, persistent finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16–18 °C. Ideal with game dishes, red meats, Iberian pork, and stews.
This is a bold, concentrated Alentejo red that successfully balances high alcohol with freshness and elegance.