Dominó Samarra 2021

Dominó Samarra is a natural, organic and vegan red made by Vitor Claro in Portalegre, on the granite uplands of the Alentejo in Portugal. Claro trained as a cook before turning to wine, and his style took shape after meeting the Portuguese winemaker Dirk Niepoort, which shows in the fresh, fruit led wines he makes here. The blend is built on Touriga Nacional and the local Castelão, the latter giving lift and a dusty, savoury grip while Touriga Nacional adds dark fruit and structure. Made with minimal intervention, the wine ferments with native yeasts and ages twelve months in used French oak barrels, so the wood adds texture and slow oxygen exchange rather than obvious vanilla or toast. The result is medium bodied and bright. Expect a translucent ruby colour, a nose of red berries, plum and violet, and a palate of cherry and wild berry fruit with fine tannins, a stony earthiness and fresh acidity carrying the finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, with a short decant to open the fruit. Good with roast chicken, grilled pork and mushroom dishes.