A New Elevation for Portuguese Wine: Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021

FROM THE WIRES...

While Portugal is well celebrated for its native grapes, a new benchmark for high-altitude Syrah has emerged from a surprising corner of the Alentejo. The launch of Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021 (SRP $48) is a profound testament to the Symington Family Estates’ commitment to world-class dry wines outside of their Douro home. 

The family's first acquisition outside the Douro, Quinta da Fonte Souto, strategically leverages the significant cooling effect of its mountain location.The entire 511 acre  estate is nestled in the Serra de São Mamede mountain range at an elevation of 1640 feet. This elevation is vital, recognized for delivering the naturally cooling influence that imparts the trademark freshness and elegance found in the finished wines. The low-yielding, mature vines of the estate further contribute to the structure and complexity of its wines.

The 2021 vintage truly captures the distinct terroir of Quinta da Fonte Souto. Winemaker Ricardo Constantino considers 2021 the finest vintage since he joined the property in 2019, lauding its expression of Portalegre’s signature elegance.The growing season was slow and graceful, with the harvest spanning from August into early October. This extended hang time yielded a wine defined by fine textures, aromatic exuberance, and remarkable elegance. Syrah has demonstrated exceptional adaptation to the quinta's unique conditions, and in a year like 2021, its full potential was realized, making it the clear choice to showcase as a single varietal. 

The Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021 is a focused, deeply colored reflection of the long, cool 2021 growing season. This 100% Syrah is matured for 12 months in second-year 400 liter French oak  barrels. The nose offers a gradual, savory complexity of conifer, aromatic herbs, clover, and cardamom. On the palate, it is deep and brooding, with powerful swells of black tea, dark chocolate, and damson. Grainy tannins promise significant evolution, ensuring a cellaring potential of another four to five years.

The Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021 is an essential addition for exploring the pinnacle of Portuguese dry wines.