Niepoort Alonso Quijano 2023

Niepoort Alonso Quijano is a DOC Douro red blend led by Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional with Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and other local varieties, from the Niepoort house founded in 1842 and now in its fifth family generation. The Douro is one of the world's most dramatic wine regions, its vines terraced on steep schist slopes along the river; the schist holds little water and forces deep rooting, while the hot, sheltered valleys ripen these Portuguese grapes fully. Niepoort works traditionally, treading the grapes by foot to extract colour and tannin gently, fermenting in cement and ageing in large old pipes, the 550 litre casks more usually associated with port. Those neutral old casks allow slow oxygen exchange and soften the tannins without adding obvious oak flavour, keeping the focus on fruit and the schist driven savoury character. At a moderate 13 percent this is a fresh, drinkable style. Expect a bright red, a nose of plum, cherry and pepper with dried herbs and a stony, earthy edge, and a savoury, lightly structured palate with fine tannin. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with roast and grilled meat.