Villa Oeiras Carcavelos Tinto 10 Year Old

Villa Oeiras Carcavelos Tinto 10 Year Old is a rare fortified red wine from Carcavelos — Portugal's smallest appellation, just west of Lisbon along the Tagus estuary — aged a full decade in barrel beneath the former palace of the Marquis de Pombal. Bottled at 18% ABV in a 500mL bottle, this red-grape Carcavelos is the first of its kind ever imported into the United States. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 18% (fortified red wine)
• Size: 500mL
• Age: 10 years in oak barrels
• Grapes: Castelao and Trincadeira, fermented with native yeasts
• Origin: Villa Oeiras, Carcavelos DOC, Portugal

The Last Producer of a Nearly Lost Wine

Villa Oeiras is the last active producer of Carcavelos, a vinho generoso (strong fortified wine) brought to 18–20% ABV with vinho abafado — fermented grape must preserved with neutral alcohol — then aged oxidatively like a tawny Port until it turns deep, savory, and complex. The Tinto (red) expression is the rarity within the rarity: where the whites of Arinto and Galego Dourado are the famous side of the appellation, this decade-old red blend trades finesse for a thrilling, energetic profile — lithe frame, bright juicy acidity, and savory depth. Browse the Villa Oeiras collection, explore more wine, and shop the full spirits shelf at Del Mesa.

Tasting Notes

Barley sugar, cocoa powder, and cola over roasted nuts and baking spice, with a vibrant, mouth-watering acidity that keeps the oxidative richness in check. The finish is long and savory — think dried fig, toasted hazelnut, and a whisper of sea air.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature, lightly chilled — it makes a terrific, lighter-framed alternative to a 10-year Tawny Port. It shines on its own after dinner, with cured meats and cheeses, or beside desserts like crème caramel. Once opened, an opened bottle keeps well for 2–3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carcavelos wine?
Carcavelos is a Portuguese DOC for fortified wine produced just west of Lisbon — a vinho generoso fortified to 18–20% ABV and aged oxidatively in barrel. Villa Oeiras is its last remaining producer.

How long does it keep after opening?
Stored properly (cool, sealed, ideally chilled), it keeps well for 2–3 months — the oxidative aging makes it unusually durable.

Is this like Port?
It is a close cousin in style — a barrel-aged, oxidative fortified wine — but lighter in frame with brighter acidity than most Tawny Ports.

Order Villa Oeiras Carcavelos Tinto 10 Year Old online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — a decade of Portuguese history in a 500mL bottle.