2020 Adega Belem Lili's Cellar Dog Selection

Adega Belém’s husband and wife winemaking team, David and Catarina, both came from academic research backgrounds originally.  But in 2013, they decided it would be fun to re-train as winemakers, study at wineries around the world, and eventually set up one of their own.  Adega Belém is now Lisbon’s first urban winery, based in the heart of the Belém district of the city in what was formerly a car repair workshop.  They are a mere stone’s throw from the banks of the Tagus River and source most of their grapes from the University’s Agronomy Department, whose vineyards surround the city.  The couple don’t own their own vineyards (yet!), but source from trusted quality producers around the Lisboa region. 

The couple’s winemaking philosophy is centred around minimal intervention, focusing on preserving the diverse yeast strains found in the vineyards, and nurturing the distinct varietal and terroir expressions within the cellar.  Adding a touch of whimsy to their process is the cellar dog Lili, their spirited chocolate Labrador, who takes charge of the blending process for this wine, choosing her favourite tanks to go into the blend. This vintage, Lili chose to blend Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional.  The fun of this wine continues as the nose is bursting with ripe, red berry notes, baking spice and a touch of rich, dark chocolate on the palate. 

Super-easy-drinking, this wine is made for enjoying on its own just as much as with food – simple fare such as pizza and pasta, traditional Mediterranean food and tapas would all make great matches for Lili’s blend.