Back when José Neiva made Portugal’s first (pure) Alicante Bouschet, his friends called him aluado (“loony” or “moonstruck”). After all, this inky-dark grape was traditionally reserved to add color and depth to blends, never bottled on its own! But José’s daring paid off and Aluado went on to earn the love of countless customers and critics (it’s a three-time Wine Enthusiast Best Buy that also boasts a gaggle of medals).

And then, along came 2018. José’s harvest was so good, he held back his best, ripest, blackest grapes to create this luxurious Reserva, which boasts even bolder flavors than the original. Patiently aged in new oak barriques, it’s a super-charged wine – and yet another fabulous example of why Portugal is “arguably the most exciting wine place on the planet” (Wine Spectator). Serve this to guests who love BIG, full-bodied reds – with our pairing suggestions on the reverse – for serious wow factor. Then let us know what you think with an online review.