Meandro do Vale Meão 2023

Meandro do Vale Meão is the second wine of F. Olazabal & Filhos, one of Portugal's most respected Douro estates, where Francisco Olazabal follows the traditional methods handed down from his great-grandmother, Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. It blends Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Alicante Bouschet and Tinta Barroca from the estate's 62 hectares. The vines grow on the Douro's fractured schist, a poor, free-draining stone that limits vigour and drives the roots deep, so the fruit ripens with concentration while the region's marked day to night temperature swing preserves freshness. The wine is aged in oak barrels, where slow oxygen ingress through the staves softens the tannins and lends spice and a light smokiness, while malolactic fermentation rounds the acidity into a savoury, fuller texture. It is deep ruby in the glass. The nose shows ripe plum, red berry and black cherry over black pepper, liquorice and a stony earthiness. The palate is full and structured, with firm tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with grilled and roast meats.