Conceito Bastardo 2021

Conceito is a family winery in Vila Nova de Foz Coa, in the upper Douro, now run by winemaker Rita Ferreira Marques after training in Bordeaux, California, New Zealand and South Africa. This is an unusual bottling made entirely from Bastardo, an old native Douro variety more often used in blends. The vines grow on the region's schist, a layered rock that fractures easily so roots reach deep for water, and in the high Douro the wide day-to-night temperature swing preserves acidity and aromatic freshness through the hot summer. Bastardo is a lightly coloured, delicate grape that ripens early, so it is handled gently and made without new oak to keep the wine fresh and true to the fruit. The result is pale in the glass, well short of a typical Douro red. The nose is fragrant, with redcurrant, raspberry and cherry over a light peppery, earthy note. The palate is light bodied and lively, with fine tannin, bright acidity and a stony, savoury finish drawn from the schist. This is a Douro red built for freshness rather than power. Serve at 14 to 16C, lightly chilled. Good with roast poultry, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.