Cork & Quill Log No.2

Jul 8

Written By Jessica Khouri

🎶 Sonic Seasoning:

Pair with:

Ibeyi – “River”
José James – “Trouble”
Lianne La Havas – “Unstoppable”
Moses Sumney – “Doomed”

Let the music reflect its bold yet nuanced characters.

Bold Roots, Quiet Power

Wine: Herdade do Rocim Touriga Nacional
Grape: 100% Touriga Nacional
Region: Alentejo, Portugal
Vibe: Deep heritage | Bold elegance | Earthy resilience
Mood Pairing: Fireside talks, late-night reflections, soulful gatherings

🍷 Tasting Notes:

This wine greets you with intense dark fruit that intense but not inebriating with blackberry, plum, and black cherry, that gallops across your palate wrapped in an herbal cloak of rosemary and Mediterranean herbs.

The body is full, yet smooth, with velvety tannins that fold into layers of spice, earth, and a touch of smokiness. There’s a freshness beneath it all—a lively acidity that carries the rich flavors forward with grace.

Note To Self Touriga Nacional here isn’t just a grape; it’s a story of soil, sun, and centuries of tradition.

🪶 Reflection (Quill Section)

In every sip, Herdade do Rocim Touriga Nacional carries the weight of tradition and the lightness of the Portuguese sun. It reminds us that power doesn’t always shout—sometimes it quietly shapes us from the roots up.

Note to Self: 🍇 Like this wine, we grow strong by staying grounded.

Technical Sheet

Vineyard: Selected old vines, dry farmed on granite and schist soils

Farming: Sustainable practices with minimal intervention

Harvest: Hand-harvested late September to early October for optimal ripeness

Vinification:

Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts
Extended maceration (20-25 days) for deep extraction
Temperature-controlled fermentation (~25°C)

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels (30% new) for complexity and structure

Alcohol: 14.0% ABV

🍽️ Food Pairing:

Pairs beautifully with:

Slow-roasted lamb with garlic and herbs
Rich mushroom ragù over creamy polenta
Aged Manchego or sheep’s milk cheeses
Charred vegetables and earthy grains

Perfect for soulful feasts and moments that call for grounding.

Jessica Khouri