Concerned about the decline of rare animal species in their area, Quinta de S. Sebastião decided to do something about it. Their “rare” range of wines supports organisations dedicated to helping endangered and threatened species in Portugal. The wines are made with the same high-quality standards this producer is known for, and this trio is the taster mix to dips your toes!
White 2021 Arinto or Fernão Pires are two relatively unknown grapes (on this side of the world) but that make up many of the white blends coming out of Portugal. They’re grown across the country and can produce wines from dry to sickly sweet with their combination of intense citrus notes and honey spice. The 2021 from Q.S.S Rare is a great example of a dry style; the citrus is most obvious with just a small hit of ginger on the finish. Aromas of bright, ripe fruits leap out of the glass with notes of peach, apricot, and juicy citrus. The wine is light bodied with a vibrant acidity and floral note on the palate. Try it with roast chicken or a fresh summery tart filled with beetroot and feta.
Rosé 2021 It’s rare to see a blend of powerhouses Syrah and Touriga Nacional, so if you’re yet to try a bottle of this, we suggest grabbing a few before its gone! Portugal is well known for its Ports, fortified wines that can be made from a blend of up to 30 grapes. However, they also produce table wines, bringing together both national and international varieties in their blends. The 2021 from Q.S.S is fruit forward, with spiced blackcurrants, vanilla, and black pepper on the palate. Pale pink in colour, this Rosé stuns with bright red fruit flavours of raspberry and strawberry accompanied by dried rose petals and white flowers. The crisp, silky smooth palate gives way to a medium finish with a hint of lingering spice. It can be drunk this year or into 2025. Enjoy!
Red 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Portugal’s native Touriga Nacional have been blended together to produce a plush, full-bodied wine. Dark fruit flavours and spice mingle on the palate, with notes of blackberry, plum, dark cherries, and leather. There is oak here, but with only six months of contact, the ripe fruit flavours really shine through. Enjoy with grilled meats and blue cheese. 88 Points, Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast – “Ripe and structured, with layers of red fruits and acidity, this is a fresh wine. Light tannins and balanced fruitiness show well together in a wine that is ready for drinking now.” Gold Medal – Prodexpo Moscow 2021. 13.5% abv. Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend.