This guy right here started his winery at 23, the son of well known winemaker in Estremoz, granted a small plot of land and pat on the back. Good luck, he was told.

14 years later Luis Louro has put together one of the fines and prettiest wineries in the Alentejo, cobbled together some wonderful old vineyards, and just last year began planting his own.

The Adega Monte Branco is everything I love in the spirit of a young winemaker with energy, passion, and a determination to create something special and long lasting.

We'll go back again and again to Monte Branco but for now maybe you'll settle for this wine, Luis' Alento Red, a veritable primer on Portugeuse grape varieties, and and a table setter for what's in store.

I just love this plump, wild-fruited, opaque wine. The schiste soils give a haunting minerality, but the warm, dry sun of the Alentejo makes for a rich, succulent, saturated wine. A beautiful bottle to enjoy year round.

(thanks Cru member Norm R. for the great photos!)