Niepoort Poeirinho 2022

Niepoort Poeirinho is a Baga red from DOC Bairrada, in the Beiras of central Portugal, made by the Niepoort family who have run the house since 1842. Baga is Bairrada's signature variety, an Atlantic grape of high acidity and firm tannin that demands old vines and careful handling to show its quality. The region's clay limestone soils and cool, damp maritime climate are decisive: they give the wine its bracing acidity, taut structure and savoury, earthy character, while old, often century old vines temper the variety's natural austerity. Niepoort combines traditional Portuguese methods, including foot treading and fermentation in cement, with attentive winemaking, then ages the wine twenty months in foudres, large old oak vessels that allow slow oxygenation and tannin softening without adding overt wood flavour. The colour is bright violet to ruby. The nose is floral and lifted, with red fruit, cherry, dried herbs, rose and black pepper over an earthy base. The palate is fresh and energetic, medium bodied, with firm, fine tannins, vivid acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant. It suits roast game, duck and grilled red meats.