The Special Wine: José Mourinho launches Douro red.
Although he once said that he is “not one of the bottle”, legendary football manager José Mourinho has now become the latest famous face to launch a wine.
Famed for his pragmatic, if at times unpopular (especially with the opposition) style of football, Portuguese-born Mourinho has become one of the most famous club managers in the European game. Starting his career in Portugal at Benfica, his career has seen him manage the likes of Chelsea, Internazionale, Real Madrid and, currently, Fenerbahçe in Istanbul.
However, it was at Porto where he first really made a name for himself, winning domestic league titles, cups, and the Champions League in 2004. It seems fitting, therefore, that his first foray into the wine industry would see him launch a wine from a region with close ties to the city of Porto.
Aptly-called ‘The Special One’, the nickname Mourinho gave himself, the wine is a Douro red made from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Sousão, varieties widely-used in the burgeoning Douro still wines sector.
The label features a graphic which appears to depict Mourinho when he ran onto the Camp Nou pitch after the 2010 Champions League semi-final when his Inter side knocked out Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. His wholehearted celebration prompted the groundskeepers to turn on the sprinklers to try and drive the Portuguese away. Internazionale would go on to win the entire tournament that year.
In the blurb adorning the presentation box, Mourinho gives his feelings on the wine: “As someone who values precision, quality, and excellence in every endeavour, I am proud to present The Special One.”
“Handpicked from one of my favourite regions in Portugal, this wine reflects the spirit of my homeland and my relentless desire to enjoy every moment in life,” he continued. “Crafted with passion and care, it is a gift from one special one to another. Whether you’re celebrating a victory or spending time with people you care about,this wine is meant to be shared with someone truly special.”
The Special One retails for €144, and is currently available for preorder.
Although he has managed teams to Primeira Liga, Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and Champions League glory, there is one prize that Mourinho is yet to add to his collection, and that is a Global Masters medal. Several Douro still reds picked up honours at the recent Autumn Masters.
Information from The Drinks Business
