Cortes de Cima Salino Tinto 2021

Cortes de Cima sits in the Alentejo, the warm inland plains of southern Portugal, but Salino Tinto is winemaker Anna Jorgensen's deliberate move toward the Atlantic, a fresher, cooler style that sets itself apart from the region's typically ripe, heavy reds. Trained in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and in Cote-Rotie alongside Stephane Ogier, she works here with Cabernet Franc, a grape prized for its aromatic, herbal lift and naturally high acidity. The cooling Atlantic influence and the choice to pick for freshness keep the alcohol moderate and the acid bright. Crucially the wine sees no oak at all, ageing for twenty months in stainless steel tanks, an inert, temperature controlled vessel that locks in the fruit, the varietal pyrazine herbal character and a clean line of acidity without any wood flavour. It pours a bright medium red, with red currant, cherry, dried herbs and cracked pepper over a fresh, saline, slightly earthy palate, finishing crisp and dry. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees. It suits lighter meats, fish and herbed dishes.