Movie & Wine Pairing

wine

Baía de Tróia Castelão 2017
Vinho Regional Península de Setúbal, Portugal

Marty (1955)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 @ 10:30 PM (ET)

For a crowdpleasing and satisfying match for this Portuguese red, look no further than Marty, the film that won Ernest Borgnine the Oscar for Best Actor (along with the statue for Best Picture). A butcher from the Bronx, Marty Piletti has nothing but trouble meeting women – like Portugal in the world of wine, he’s been overlooked despite having a lot to offer. But don’t worry, it all turns out well. Marty finds love, and the film became a massive popular success.

CASTELÃO

WINE STYLE

ROOM TEMPERATURE

PORK

STEWS

THE WINE

Portugal’s Tróia region has a winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years, when the Romans settled the area between the first and sixth centuries. The award-winning Casa Ermelinda Freitas estate and talented head winemaker Jaime Quendera pay tribute to that history with this gorgeous red (note the Roman coin depicted on the label). Made from Castelão, the oldest grape variety in the Península de Setúbal, Baía de Tróia aged for eight months in fine oak barrels. You’re in for layers of intense dark fruit and toasty spice, plus a lusciously smooth, full-bodied palate.

THE COUNTRY

In recent years, Portugal’s previously littleknown, boutique estates have modernized – and their world-class wines are starting to catch the attention of critics like Wine Spectator’s Matt Kramer: “Portugal is now gushing with stunning wines – and yes, stunning deals. Call me a value hound, but except for a tiny handful of reach-for-the-sky wines, Portugal very likely now offers some of the greatest wine values on the market today.”

THE ESTATE

Casa Ermelinda Freitas was founded by Deonilde Freitas in 1920. Today, it has grown to 120 hectares and produces some of Portugal’s finest wines. Proprietor Leonor Freitas (left) works tirelessly to ensure that each bottle meets her rigorous quality standards. In fact, the Portuguese government awarded Leonor the title of Comendadora (aka ‘knighthood’) for her service to the wine industry.

WITH FOOD

Take inspiration from this rich red’s homeland and pair it with Portuguese-style cuisine. It’ll shine alongside chouriço (pork sausage), traditional espetadas (grilled kebabs with onions and red peppers), or Bife a Portuguesa (sirloin steak marinated in a red-wine reduction and topped with a fried egg). This will also be tasty with bean-based stews or hearty vegetarian casseroles.