Quinta de Chocapalha 'CH' 2020

Winemaking

Quinta de Chocapalha is a small family estate in Estremadura committed to expressing the character of indigenous Portuguese varietals through thoughtful vineyard management and restrained winemaking. The 'CH' blend reflects the winemaker's philosophy of letting terroir speak — balancing the structure and aging potential of traditional Portuguese grapes with elegant, modern sensibilities.

Tasting Notes

Dark cherry and plum dominate the bouquet, threaded through with subtle Mediterranean herbs and a whisper of spice that pulls you deeper into the glass. On the palate, this medium-bodied blend reveals ripe, concentrated fruit balanced by fine-grained tannins and lively acidity, creating a sense of poise and refinement rather than heaviness. The finish unfolds persistently, with layers of dark fruit giving way to a mineral undertone that speaks to the wine's sense of place.

Producer

Quinta de Chocapalha operates as a focused family producer within Portugal's Estremadura region, where it maintains modest vineyard holdings dedicated to quality over volume. The estate's approach emphasizes sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques that honor the expressiveness of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz — grapes that have long defined Portuguese wine character.

Terroir

Estremadura lies northwest of Lisbon, characterized by a temperate maritime climate moderated by Atlantic influence, which lends freshness and acidity to the wines. The region's varied soils — a patchwork of limestone, clay, and granite — provide the mineral backbone and complexity evident in this blend, allowing the classic Portuguese varietals to develop nuance and depth.

Food Pairings

Try this wine alongside grilled lamb chops with rosemary and a squeeze of lemon, where its spice and tannin structure amplify the herbs. It pairs equally well with a casual charcuterie board featuring aged Manchego and cured chorizo, or bring it to the table with pan-seared duck breast and a tart cherry gastrique.