António Bernardino Paulo de Silva - Colares Chitas - Reserva Tinto 1999
Price: $62.00
| Producer | António Bernardino Paulo de Silva |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Colares |
| Varietal | Ramisco |
| Vintage | 1999 |
| Sku | 000236 |
| ABV | 11.00% |
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Colares is a wine region forgotten by time. What was once a vibrant wine-producing region outside of Lisbon with over 1,000 hectares of vines, has been reduced to less than 20 hectares by development and urbanization. Colares’ sandy soils are home to Ramisco and Malvasia de Colares grapes, which are some of the few own-rooted, pre-phylloxera vines in all of Europe. Drinking these wines is like traveling back in time: they are liquid ghosts, whose forgotten, classic style is made the same way it has been for generations. And they are among the rarest wines in the world. In fact, with only five producers left, the small amounts made are only featured on the lists of top restaurants and wine shops.
The Chitas estate is one of the oldest and most famous wine-producing families in Colares. Established in 1898 by Antonio da Silva Chitas in the picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar, the name Chitas quickly became synonymous with outstanding quality and age-worthy wines that garnered popularity throughout the world. Today, the family continues the legacy of cellar-aged Ramisco ― the local red varietal ― and the white Malvasia wines in Colares. In their cozy cellar, the Chitas family has vintages going back to 1950’s, aging in perfect conditions.
The 1999 Chitas Colares Tinto Reserva is a distinctive and unforgettable wine made from 100% Ramisco, a grape that is the only variety of vinis vinifera that has never been grafted onto American rootstock! In the glass, the wine sits a beautiful deep garnet color with ruby hues, defying its 20 years of age. The bouquet is absolutely stunning, reminiscent of a top-notch Chambolle-Musigny. Aromas of cherries, berries and violets intermingle with subtle notes of spice and hints of earth and leather, creating an intoxicating medley. The palate is super-charged with energy, yet balanced with elegance and grace; structured, without being over-bearing; soft, but with definition: all the while showcasing remarkable length, depth and persistence. A saline mineral streak dances across the palate, adding complexity to the mix of fruit, flowers and spice. A marvel, and a wine not-to-be-missed!
