Bacalhoa Palacio da Bacalhoa Tinto 2016

Intro: The name comes from the Palácio da Bacalhôa, a 15th-century Renaissance palace in Azeitão, Setúbal. The estate is not only a winery but also one of Portugal’s most iconic cultural landmarks, blending art, architecture, and viticulture.

Region: Peninsula de Setubal || Winery: Bacalhoa

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon(69%), Merlot (26%), Petit Verdot (5%) 

Aging: 12 months in new French oak and 19 months in bottle before release

ABV: 14% || Decant: 1-2 hours || Serving Temp: 16-18°C

Pairing: Red meats, game, aged cheeses, stews

Tasting Notes: The 2016 Palacio da Bacalhoa Tinto is elegant and complex, with an aromatic bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with notes of violet, cedar, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined, delivering concentrated flavors of black fruit, plum, and blueberry, complemented by hints of tobacco, graphite, and dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but polished, balanced by fresh acidity that adds vibrancy. The finish is long and sophisticated, lingering with fruit, spice, and a touch of oak, a fine example of structure and elegance from the Setúbal Peninsula.

Rating (Complexity & Vintage Year): 94 AA