Wine With Wanda

Say Olá to Alentejo With the Wines of Casa Relvas

Alexandre Relvas, Chief Winemaker & Co-Owner, Casa Relvas (Alentejo, Portugal)

In 2018, I embarked on my first and only trip to Portugal to visit wineries in Alentejo and it was magical. But after chatting with fifth generation vintner Alexandre Relvas on Instagram Live, I know that my next journey to Alentejo would be incomplete without a visit to Casa Relvas. You can watch our conversation and tasting on IGTV, YouTube, or by clicking the video below. 

During our conversation, Alexandre described Alentejo's rich winemaking history and how wines made in amphora are an integral part of the region's legacy. We tasted two wines that display Casa Relvas's commitment to innovation and tradition: Art.Terra Amphora Red 2020 ($22.99) and Herdade de Sāo Miguel Escolha dos Enólogos 2019 ($22.99). 


As the names indicates, Art.Terra Amphora Red was crafted in amphora. These large clay vessels, called Talhas de Barro in Portuguese, can be traced back to the Romans and have been used for winemaking in Alentejo for more than 2,000 years. A blend of 50% Aragonez, 40% Trincadeira, and 10% Moreto; Art.Terra is bright and fresh with hints of herbs and earth.

Aged in French oak barrels for 9 months, Herdade de Sāo Miguel Escolha dos Enólogos is a blend of 50% Alicante Bouschet, 30% Touriga Franca, and 20% Touriga Nacional. It is a rich and round wine with vibrant fruit, floral, and spice flavors. Not familiar with Portuguese wine grapes? In the video, Alexandre shares wonderful descriptions of each variety and what they contribute to the blend. He also describes how amphora impacts the style of the wine. 

The Innovative, Elegant, and Biodynamic Beauty of Querciabella Wines from Tuscany

Manfred Ing, Winemaker, Querciabella

Hopping a flight overseas remains a daydream during these long days of social distancing, but thankfully traveling the world through wine is a reality. Recently, I took a virtual journey to beautiful Tuscany through the wines of Querciabella with winemaker Manfred Ing. Watch our Instagram Live conversation on IGTV, YouTube, or by clicking the video below. 

Founded in 1974 with a single hectare vineyard in Tuscany, today Querciabella has more than 100 hectares in Chianti Classico and Maremma. In 1988, Querciabella converted to organic viticulture and in 2000 they introduced a 100% plant‑based approach to biodynamics that forbids the use of animal products in their vineyards or cellars. During our conversation, Manfred shared Querciabella's winemaking philosophy, a definition of biodynamic winemaking, and his fascinating journey from his native South Africa to becoming a winemaker in Tuscany.


We tasted two Querciabella wines: Chianti Classico 2017 ($30) and Camartina 2015 ($150). A very classic and pure expression of Chianti Classico, the Sangiovese grapes were sourced from Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and Gaiole in Chianti. This tapestry of grapes from unique terroirs adds complexity and nuance to this very fresh and pretty wine. Camartina has been the estate's signature Super Tuscan since 1981. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, it is only produced in the best vintages. Rich and balanced, Camartina will age beautifully; a worthy splurge.