Alento Tinto 2023

Alento Tinto 2023 is a Vinho Regional Alentejano made by Adega do Monte Branco in Estremoz, signed by winemaker Luís Louro. It is widely recognised for its modern, fresh style and excellent value for money.

The Wine Advocate
RP 90

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The juicy, youthful 2023 Alento Tinto is a blend of 30% Trincadeira, 30% Alicante Bouschet, 30% Aragonez and 10% Touriga Nacional from all of the estate's vineyards, on limestone, schist and transitional soils. The grapes were co-fermented in stainless steel and the wine was bottled without oak ageing.

The aim was to create a red from traditional varieties that expresses the character of the region, putting fruit and balance first. It shows good ripeness, with 14.2% alcohol, a pH of 3.58 and 5.2 g/l acidity, and is medium-bodied with fine tannins. 53,000 bottles and 1,000 magnums were produced. The wine was bottled in October 2025.

Luís Louro is the son of Miguel Louro of Quinta do Mouro. In 2004 Luís founded Adega Monte Branco in Estremoz to make wines built on balance rather than power, and on freshness rather than excess. The project is based on traditional Portuguese grape varieties and inspired by the Alentejo wines of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Luís Louro firmly believes that great wines are born in the vineyard, so he began by renting vineyard plots while gradually building his own winery. Over the years he has expanded through land purchases, new plantings and vineyard acquisitions. By the 2024 harvest, virtually all the vineyard plots were owned by the company, with just one still rented.

Sustainability has become central to the project. Practices include weed control without herbicides — using sheep in winter and mechanical methods in spring and summer — exclusively organic fertilisation, and generating 80% of the energy used in the winery and vineyard. Priority is also given to the varieties best adapted to the region's climate.

There is also a growing focus on traditional Portuguese varieties with long growing cycles, high acidity and good ageing potential. Luís Louro was the first producer in the region to plant Esgana Cão and Galego Dourado, continually adapting varieties, rootstocks and training systems to the specific characteristics of each soil type and vineyard plot.

The project celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Today Luís Louro farms a total of 28 hectares across five plots, all in Estremoz, the oldest planted in 1993. Average annual production is around 200,000 bottles.

Published: 11 June 2026