2013 Principal Grande Reserva Tinto 1 x 0.75L 1 Bottle Bairrada Region WINEMAKER: Pascal Chatonnet. AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 18.5 Points, Vinho Grandes Escolhas 92 Points, Decanter World Wine Awards (2012 Vintage) 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast (2009 Vintage) 92 Points, Andreas Larsson – Tasted (2009 Vintage) 18 Points, Revista de Vinhos (2009 Vintage) 91 Points, CellarTracker (2009 Vintage) WINE VARIETIES: Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Touriga Nacional (35%) & Merlot (20%). VINIFICATION Hand-harvested with selection on a sorting mat at the winery entrance. Destemming and crushing follow, and the grapes are transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks where alcoholic and malolactic fermentation occurs. Maceration takes place for approximately 20 days, using the delestage technique. The wine is then aged for 24 to 30 months in 225-liter French oak barrels (new and used). The final blend ages for an additional 8 years in the bottle before being released. TASTING NOTES Opaque center with a very narrow ruby-colored rim. Aromas of preserved black fruit, with hints of mint and green pepper, combined with wood spices, lending layers of depth. Full-bodied, with fresh acidity and smooth tannins. The sensations linger elegantly and for a long time. TERROIR Atlantic-influenced climate, protected by the Caramulo and Buçaco mountain ranges. Vineyards planted at high density (up to 6,172 vines per hectare) on gentle hills of clay-limestone soils, in the region's famous limestone patch. Entirely dry-fed vineyards. SERVING Ideal to accompany red meat and grilled meat. Store in a place protected from light and without large temperature variations, preferably between 12 and 14ºC. Serve at 16-18ºC. DESCRIPTION Ideal Drinks was created in 2010 by Carlos Dias, a respected Portuguese businessman with an international reputation. Passionate about wine and a great epicurean, he decided to invest in Portugal and embrace the challenge of producing excellent quality wines, spirits and olive oils. These products are intended to be ambassadors of what is best in our country.Quinta Colinas de S. Lourenço, built according to the best examples worldwide, uses the most modern winemaking technology, moving all liquids and masses by gravity. The spacious aging rooms, equipped with the best French oak barrels, provide the ideal conditions for the peaceful rest of the wines, which normally also age in bottles for several years. The reserve wines intended for the production of sparkling wines also age in these rooms in imposing reserve barrels. Quinta de Milagres, restructured in an innovative way, has privileged conditions for the production of an exceptional Alvarinho wine. Located in the municipality of Monção, in the parish of Cambeses, in Sende, it is a unique property with three and a half hectares of vineyards integrated in the Sub-Region of Monção and Melgaço and entirely dedicated to the Alvarinho grape variety. Quinta de Bella combines unique natural conditions and traditional sustainable viticulture to produce Térroir wines with a unique character. Inserted in the historic Dão Region, in the village of Prime, parish of Fragosela, neighboring the city of Viseu, it is an extensive property of approximately 70 hectares that develops from the bank of the Dão River. PLEASE NOTE: This is a recurring auction. The seal number(s) you see on the photos might differ from the one(s) on your bottle(s).