Niepoort Drink Me Nat Cool Copo Alegre 2021 1 Liter 2021

Drink Me Nat Cool comes from Niepoort, the Portuguese house led by fifth-generation Dirk van der Niepoort, and is part of the Nat Cool project of light, fresh, easy-drinking reds made by several producers. This bottling is Baga from DOC Bairrada, in the Beiras, near the Atlantic coast. Bairrada's clay-limestone soils and cool, maritime-influenced climate give Baga high acidity and firm tannin, but here the wine is made in a deliberately light, low-extraction style and aged in stainless steel, which keeps the fruit fresh and primary and avoids the grape's heavier, more tannic side. Stainless steel preserves the bright acidity and clean aromatics that define the Nat Cool style. The result is a vegan, low-intervention red sold in a one-litre bottle. The colour is light, bright red. The nose shows red fruit, floral notes and a light spicy hint. The palate is fresh, direct and easy to drink, light bodied with crisp acidity and soft tannin. Serve at 13 to 14C, well chilled. Good with charcuterie, roast chicken or grilled oily fish.