Mouchao Tonel 3-4

Learn More About This Wine

Probably the most emblematic expression of the Alicante Bouschet variety in all its fullness and its great ageing potential. The renowned Carapetos vineyard is traditionally home to Mouchao’s best Alicante Bouschet fruit. In exceptional years, small parcels of this fruit are selected for this complex and intense varietal wine. 

Adhering to the estate’s traditional winemaking methods, grapes are hand-picked, foot-trodden and whole-bunch fermented in open stone Lagares. Following a secondary manual press in the century-old wooden basket presses, the wine is aged for four to five years in two ancient 5000L barrels – Tonel nº3 and Tonel nº4. Once bottled, it is cellared for a further four years. With its exceptional ageing capacity, it can take up to 15 to 20 years after harvest to reach its full maturity, sometimes peaking long after that. 

Complex spices and minty freshness displayed by this wine continues to astonish, given the extreme growing temperatures. Intense garnet colour and aromas of black fruit, Indian ink, pencil lead, black olives, mint and spices. Its structured, exuberant tannins help guarantee its longevity. Despite its considerable ageing potential, it is showing beautifully in its youth. Decant or open 12 to 24 hours beforehand, particularly before 2035. Best served between 15ºC to 19ºC, alongside roasts, game or hearty casseroles.