Wine of the week: Casa Ferreirinha Esteva 2018
by Wine Curmudgeon Posted On
This Portuguese red blend from a Big Wine company is spot on – enjoyable entry-level wine that’s fairly priced
Yes, one more fairly-priced, professionally-made and enjoyable Portuguese red wine. So please don’t be afraid of the blend – four grapes that you’ve probably never heard of – or that Ferreirinha is difficult to pronounce.
That’s because the Casa Ferreirinha Esteva 2018 ($12, sample, 13%) is an example of Big Wine doing what Big Wine should be able to do best – use its resources to make enjoyable entry level bottles. Sogrape owns wineries in five countries, including blog favorite LAN in Spain and Quinta de Azevedo, a top vinho verde label.
The Esteva is heavy enough so that you’ll know it’s Portuguese, but modern enough so that it’s not so heavy as to be off-putting. Look for fresh red fruit with soft tannins and a surprisingly long and balanced finish. The acidity is spot on, too – how about an old-fashioned pot roast?
Vintage note: There may not be much 2018 left; one of the hazards with samples is that they may not send the current vintage. But the 2019 and even the 2020 should be similar in style.
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