2023 Fitapreta O Iluminista Tinto

Product Description

Fitapreta is António Maçanita’s estate near the ancient Roman city of Evora, located in the rolling hills of Alentejo. Since its inception in 2004, Fitapreta has pushed the boundaries of what fine winemaking can be in this region, and over the last two decades, the estate has become a benchmark for the New Portugal, earning Antonio international accolades like Winemaker of the Year, Most Unique Winemaker, and Winemaker of the Generation. Maçanita works only with indigenous varieties and showcases his estate’s terroir through exacting work: farming organically without irrigation, harvesting by hand at night, deliberate bunch sorting in the winery, and native yeast fermentation.

Through his commitment to these principles, he can craft wines that represent sunny Alentejo, but which have a balance and freshness unmatched by others in the region. Maçanita finds equilibrium between tradition and modernity, and his constant exploration of vineyards has enabled him to show off a truly deep understanding of Alentejano terroir, present and past. Whether on his original estate vineyard or in his Chão dos Eremitas site, his wines always contain a through-line of elegance and purity. The broad assortment of wine styles available from Fitapreta is a testament to Antonio’s intellect, curiosity, playfulness, and rigorous attention to detail. Fitapreta has something for everyone!

“O Iluminista,” or “the Enlightened One,” embodies Fitapreta’s guiding principle of “sense of place,” which is reflected in their wines. This wine showcases an authentic, terroir-driven blend of Alentejo grapes, including Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, Castelão, and Moreto.

30% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Aragonez, 20% Trincadeira, 20% Castelão and 10% Moreto. The vines are cultivated in soils that are composed mainly of schist (70%) and granite (30%).

Deep violet colour. The nose is intense with fresh black fruit and hints of dried herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, and luscious, with notes of toffee and a finish that reveals firm, rounded tannins.