Tasting Notes – Smiling Donkey 2023

Wine:  Smiling Donkey 2023

Grape:  This wine is produced using 30% Touriga Franca, 25% Tinta Roriz, 15% Tinto Cão with smaller percentages of Tinto Barroca and Touriga Nacional.  Of the five grapes only Tinta Roriz is not native to Portugal.  It is native to Spain where is it known as Tempranillo.

Color: Ruby

Aromas: smoke, mint, vanilla, cherry, blackberries, red fruit, sweet spices

Flavors:  black fruit, plum, and cocoa

Body:  Full

Alcohol:  13.5%

Acid:  Medium

Sweetness:  Dry

Tannins:  Medium +

Balance:   Balanced red blend with supple tannins

Serving Tips:  60° to 64° F, red wine glass, decant for 30 to 60 minutes

Food Pairings:  red meats, strong cheeses, roasted lamb, and beef stew

Aging:  can age for at least 5 years

Winery Notes:  The wine is producedfrom vineyards in the high eastern Douro wine region of Portugal, home of the endangered Mirandela donkey.  The playful name and label were created to raise awareness for the Mirandese donkey, an integral and historic part of the Douro region. Classified as a threatened species, these animals lost traction with the modernization of farming.  A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold is donated directly to AEPGA (Association for the Study and Protection of Asinine Cattle), which works to protect, promote, and preserve the native breed.