Portugal traces the origins of its wine production to the Phoenicians as early as 1100 B.C. The Lusitano Ervideira is a traditional red from the Alentejo region of Portugal. Growing grapes here is difficult due to hot summers and scarce rainfall, but this makes for rich and well structured wines. The herdade Monte da Ribeira and Herdadinha belong to the Leal da Costa family, descendants of Count of Ervideira, successful farmer in the XIX and XX century. The Count, who received his title due to his family's work in that region, began producing wine in 1880. With 160ha of vineyards divided by Vidigueira and Reguengos, Ervideira's administration is assured by D. Maria Isabel, the family's matriarch and by her six sons. Described as "a Granach with deep color showing youth and showing good fruit with notes of orange peel and red currants. Very smooth in the mouth with well tamed tannins". Tasting blogs recommend this as a great red wine from often overlooked Portugal.