Olho de Mocho Tinto 2021
Olho de Mocho Reserva Tinto 2021
Herdade do Rocim is a property located between Vidigueira and Cuba, in the Lower Alentejo, with 120 hectares, 70 of which are vineyards and 10 olive groves. Of the 70 hectares of vines, 53 hectares of red grape varieties and 17 hectares of white grape varieties, it already has a certified organic production area and a significant area in the process of being converted to organic production.
The oldest vineyard at Herdade do Rocim has always been affectionately called ‘Olho de Mocho’ (Owl's Eye), because of the abundance of this spontaneous flower, whose scientific name is Tolpis barbata. Being special, it could only give rise to a unique and authentic wine that we now call ‘Olho de Mocho Single Vineyard’.
Olho de Mocho Reserva Tinto 2021
Herdade do Rocim's viticulture always respects the terroir and the principles of sustainability as much as possible. All operations, from winter pruning to green operations to the harvest, are always carried out manually, where the human hand plays a fundamental role.
In Herdade do Rocim's oenology department, all the processes involved in transforming grapes into wine are aimed at maximising respect for our terroir. We only use wild yeasts in our wines, whether single varietals or field blends. With minimal intervention, and always respecting the principles of sustainability, oenology is called minimal intervention and essentially aims to reflect our terroir in every bottle produced.
We use larger barrels, terracotta and cement amphorae to age our wines. The careful use of new wood is also aimed at preserving the fruit and the terroir.
At Herdade do Rocim we have respected the natural vocation of the region's terroir from the outset, producing fresh, elegant and mineral wines.
Olho de Mocho wine comes from Herdade do Rocim's oldest vineyard, which has always been affectionately known as ‘Olho de Mocho’, due to the abundance of a flower with this name, the scientific name of which is Tolpis barbata. Being special, it could only give rise to a unique and authentic wine that the Producer calls ‘Olho de Mocho Single Vineyard’.
The grape varieties used in Olho de Mocho are Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira
- Wine Type
- Red Wine
- Format
- 0,75L
- Vintage
- 2021
- Country
- Portugal
- Region
- Alentejo
- Robert Parker
- RP92
- Great Choices
- 18
The 2021 Reserva Olho de Mocho is a 60/40 blend of Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira aged for 16 months in new French oak. It comes in at 14.45% alcohol. The key stylistic difference between this and the regular Reserva is the power. This may have a bit more depth and a different blend, but the regular Reserva is an easier drinker, while this has some tannic pop on the finish. It really needs a couple of years in the cellar to show its stuff. That said, like most of Rocim's 2021s in this report, this also has a certain elegance that can make it very appealing but never bombastic. The fruit is ripe but a bit restrained. There is grip on the finish, but the tannins aren't too hard. It is vaguely approachable now, but that would be a mistake. Coming back around 2025–2026 would be a much better idea, and it likely won't be at peak then. This is very pretty, one of the winery's nicer 2021s, but perhaps a step behind some of the best vintages recently. We may need a few years to fully answer that question.
Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira, fermented in cement vats. It has a very classic profile, with the best of both grape varieties, vegetal notes of olives and dried scrub, as well as aromatic herbs and spices. Solid in structure and tannin, but still fresh and elegant. To grow in the bottle.