Duas Quintas Tinto 2023

Duas Quintas Tinto is a red from DOC Douro made by Casa Ramos Pinto, blending Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca with the native Tinta Roriz. The fruit comes from the higher Douro, from the Quinta Ervamoira plots at around 150 metres and the cooler Quinta dos Bons Ares vineyards at 600 metres, the altitude bringing fresher nights that hold acidity and aromatics in a hot region. The Douro's steep schist soils force the vines to root deep for water and minerals, concentrating the fruit and giving the wine its structure. Grapes are picked into small 150 kilogram boxes, then destemmed and pressed at the winery before alcoholic fermentation. The wine ages 13 months in oak barrels, which round the firm tannins through slow oxygen exchange and add a savoury, spiced frame. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is spicy and open, with ripe cherry and plum wrapped in a balsamic, herbal edge, black pepper and liquorice behind. The palate is full and warm at 13.5 percent, the tannins ripe and the finish long and savoury with a touch of eucalyptus. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted. A strong match for roast and grilled red meat.