Monte Branco XX (Excellence Great Choices 2025)

Monte Branco XX is a striking red wine that surprises with its aromatic freshness from the first contact. The balance between the robustness of Alicante Bouschet and the elegant structure of Trincadeira is remarkable, creating a harmonious and engaging wine.

On the palate, it surprises with its youth, with a vibrant acidity that brings energy and vivacity to the whole. The perfectly integrated wood plays a discreet supporting role, elevating the wine without overpowering its natural characteristics.

The black fruit of great finesse takes center stage, unfolding in polished layers that culminate in a long, classy finish. A red that combines freshness, balance and sophistication, standing out as a refined and memorable choice.

The Wine Advocate
RP 94
Reviewed by: Luis Gutierrez

NV XX Anos is a red blend of the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 vintages, created to celebrate the winery’s 20th anniversary. It was made with the two grape varieties that Luis Louro believes produce the best reds in the region — Alicante Bouschet (70%) and Trincadeira (30%). Fermentation took place in a lagar with indigenous yeasts, followed by a four-year aging in 2,200-liter oak foudres.

The wine is rich, complex, powerful and full of nuances, with notes of wild berries, aromatic herbs, pine nuts and a touch of resin. The alcohol content is moderate (13.8%), with a low pH of 3.27 and a notable acidity of 6.6 g/L. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with refined tannins. 3,000 bottles and 150 magnums were produced. Bottling took place in June 2023.

Luis Louro is the son of Miguel Louro, from Quinta do Mouro. He created Adega Monte Branco in 2004, in Estremoz, after two years of acquiring land, planting and buying vineyards. He does not use herbicides and increasingly pays attention to native grape varieties. He works a total of 28 hectares divided into five plots, all in Estremoz, the oldest of which was planted in 1993.