This singular red wine highlights Touriga Franca, which is widely planted in northern and central Portugal but rarely bottled on its own. On calcareous, west-facing slopes of the Arneiro vineyard, twenty kilometers north of the River Tagus as it opens as it opens out to the Atlantic, the Franca family tend two hectares of this underrated but increasingly important varietal organically. The wine is fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tank (80%) and third-pass 350L French casks and its elevage likewise continues until bottling, resulting in a wine that is supple and charming, with notes of raspberry, blackcurrant and pomegranate; graphite, violet and clove. Delightful on its own, it is a versatile complement to a wide array of dishes and can be enjoyed thru 2031.

keeps until 2030
(50-59ºF)

keeps 2-3 days
(55-59ºF)

5-6 oz. pour
(59-64ºF)

About Murgas

Quinta das Murgas is located in the rolling hills of Freixial, in the western part of the Bucelas DOC. Its 12-hectare vineyard is situated on a southwest-facing slope of the region's signature 'caeiras' soils, with Arinto (9 ha), Esgana Cão (1 ha) and Touriga Franca (2 ha) under vine. Once part of the historic Camillo Alves estate, current owner João Franca and the Franca family resumed vinification in 2017, quickly establishing itself as one of the most promising estates in the region. Farming is organic (though not yet certified); the winemaker is noted enologist Bernardo Cabral. Full details

About Vinho Regional Lisboa

Vinho Regional Lisboa (VR Lisboa) extends north along the Atlantic coast from Lisbon and the Tagus estuary, its best wines often marked by a freshness and tension—as well as a notable saline minerality—due to its distinct maritime influence. Formerly known as Estremadura, the region includes three of the most historic wine appellations in Portugal—Bucelas, Carcavelos and Colares—and has seen a rise in its prominence as Lisbon has assumed its place as one of the most dynamic cities in Europe. Traditional grapes include Arinto, Fernão Pires, Esgana Cão, Rabo do Ovelha, Malvasia di Colares, Gallego Dourado and Ratinho for white wines, and Castelão, Trincadeira, Ramisco, Baga and Touriga Franca for reds. It is also home to the Lourinha DOC, the only appellation for aguardente and brandy outside of France.