Need Help Finding the right wine?
Your personal wine consultant will assist you with buying, managing your collection, investing in wine, entertaining and more.
2015 Quinta do Ameal Escolha
95 DEC
As low as:
$0.00
As low as:
Featured
Review
Yellow-gold, the nose wonderfully rich, nutty and tertiary, with creamy brazil nut following through in the mouth. Very long and layered, with complex salted lime, lime-shred, smoky lime oil, lanolin, blackcurrant leaf and conifer notes wed to a firm backbone of crisp acidity. The cream of Ameal’s crop is whole bunch pressed and fermented and aged in used French oak hogsheads. Drinking Window 2020 - 2025. Decanter
Decanter | 95 DEC
Critic Reviews
Yellow-gold, the nose wonderfully rich, nutty and tertiary, with creamy brazil nut following through in the mouth. Very long and layered, with complex salted lime, lime-shred, smoky lime oil, lanolin, blackcurrant leaf and conifer notes wed to a firm backbone of crisp acidity. The cream of Ameal’s crop is whole bunch pressed and fermented and aged in used French oak hogsheads. Drinking Window 2020 - 2025.
Decanter | 95 DEC
The 2015 Escolha, in its handsome new packaging and a fat bottle now befitting its status, is a Loureiro aged for six months in used French oak. Bottled in August 2016, it comes in at 11.5% alcohol. Very dry, with big acidity and low residual sugar, this is the regular Loureiro with a different face. In time, this will take over from the unoaked version reviewed last year, but at the moment, there is not much from which to choose. The time in wood gives this a bit more power and fullness in the mouth, but a bit less purity, at least in its youth. That said, the most startling aspect to this is how remarkably fresh and clean it is despite the wood. If it is not the fragrant white that the unoaked version is, it is hardly subdued in its exuberance and power. A decade from now, I suspect this will easily take charge. Right now, I can only say they are both brilliant. They are both monuments to Loureiro. There were just 4,000 bottles produced.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 94 RP
Decanter | 95 DEC
The 2015 Escolha, in its handsome new packaging and a fat bottle now befitting its status, is a Loureiro aged for six months in used French oak. Bottled in August 2016, it comes in at 11.5% alcohol. Very dry, with big acidity and low residual sugar, this is the regular Loureiro with a different face. In time, this will take over from the unoaked version reviewed last year, but at the moment, there is not much from which to choose. The time in wood gives this a bit more power and fullness in the mouth, but a bit less purity, at least in its youth. That said, the most startling aspect to this is how remarkably fresh and clean it is despite the wood. If it is not the fragrant white that the unoaked version is, it is hardly subdued in its exuberance and power. A decade from now, I suspect this will easily take charge. Right now, I can only say they are both brilliant. They are both monuments to Loureiro. There were just 4,000 bottles produced.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 94 RP
Wine Details for 2015 Quinta do Ameal Escolha
| Type of Wine | Other |
|---|---|
| Varietal |
Proprietary Blend
: Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend. |
| Country |
Portugal
: Viticulture has existed on the Iberian Peninsula (home to modern day Spain and Portugal) for thousands of years, dating as far back as 2000 BC. The country of Portugal, with its 250 native grape varieties, has a long and colorful history of viticulture and is renowned for its production of the world-famous fortified wines of Port and Madeira. Beyond these rich and intriguing styles, the country has become diversified, and is now being recognized for its refreshing whites of Vinho Verde, sparkling wines from Obidos and the warm reds from Douro and Dao. In the past few decades, Portugal has enjoyed somewhat of a revival in terms of viticulture and is becoming increasingly popular for its many wine styles. Portugal may not compare to neighboring Spain’s production rate, but in terms of quality, it can do more than hold a candle. Portugal’s production of Port is, without a doubt, its fame to claim and has brought global recognition; however Its recent renaissance and its incredible array of wine styles has helped to only bring more attention to the country’s wine industry. Its annual production of 600 million liters of wine from its 195,000 hectares under vine is an incredible feat for one of the smaller wine producing countries. Many of the key grape varieties cultivated in Portugal are considered native. Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Baga and Tinta Roriz lead the way and are the most popular and important grapes grown. Portugal’s temperate, predominately maritime climate and portfolio of terroirs is greatly conducive to vinification. Its many mountains, river valleys and limestone-rich coastal hills allows for a rich and diverse range of soils. The Atlantic influences the growing season which sees high levels of rainfall allowing for high yields. This can also be a detriment and an increased risk of fungal diseases. Coastal region winegrowers has have worked diligently to cultivated ventilated sites as well as high trellising methods to keep the grapes from developing bunch rot. The international wine market is becoming more cognizant of the many great wines coming from Portugal, from the reds of Douro and Dao to the red, white and rose from Vinho Verde, sparkling renditions from native varietals to the unprecedented and world-famous Port wines. International varieties (most of French origins) such as Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Portuguese soil. Despite the arrival of these varieties making a splash, and intrigue, Portugal’s long tradition of winemaking in the region has allowed winemakers to maintain a certain uniqueness in their wines. The Old Word nation of Portugal commands global respect and recognition for its many accomplishments and contributions to the world of wine. |
| Region |
Portugal
: This gorgeous region has been greatly underestimated in the past. Its natural virtues are now being transformed, enhanced and reinforced as Portugal undergoes a real winemaking revolution. Previously only known for Port, Madeira and the still white Vinho Verde, Portugal now offers a serious milieu of predominantly red, incredibly rich, dry, table wines from Dao and Douro. While the country doesn't have a terroir as diverse as some other regions, it is still vast and nuanced between the sandy, hilly coasts, mountains, and rich river valleys. Lots of rain in this maritime climate irrigates the abundant vintages that have to be protected from illness and rot, which seems to be no problem for Portugal, especially in recent years. The ambiance is perfect for some interesting native grapes that distinguish the region from the rest of the world. If you come across a superb Portuguese wine, read the label and don't see a single familiar word, this is why. Touriga Nacional is perhaps the most used grape in these red wines, featuring exquisite details of leather, delicate florals and spice. Portuguese wines often exhibit fantastic aging potential due to their strong tannic structure. Now is the perfect time to grab a bottle whether you plan to treat yourself immediately or hold for years to come. |
Overview
| Producer | Quinta do Ameal |
|---|