J. Cabral Almeida Touriga Nacional, Musgo | 2023

Touriga Nacional is Portugal’s noble red grape. It’s best known as a powerhouse in the Douro, but in the higher-altitude vineyards of the Dão, it takes on a more lifted, Beaujolais-like personality: vibrant, feathery, and jovial. This expression from rising star J. Cabral Almeida, called Musgo (named for the moss that grows in the Dão), brims with violets, pink pepper, and wild brambly berries. The acidity is juicy rather than austere, and the palate glides instead of hangs. From grilled meat to roasted fish, this is the kind of red you’ll want on the table any night of the week.
~ Allegra Angelo