Ramilo Nativas Tinto 2023

Ramilo farms its vineyards in Colares, a small denomination on the Atlantic edge north of Lisbon, long favoured by Portuguese nobility for its sea air and cool summers. The wine is made from Castelão, one of Portugal's most widely planted reds, grown here on sandy coastal soils under steady ocean wind. The farming is biodynamic, and the maritime climate holds ripeness in check, giving a wine of just 12.5 percent alcohol. Crucially it sees no wood: 15 months in stainless steel preserves primary fruit and freshness, with no oak tannin or vanilla to mask the grape. The result is a light, transparent red. The nose offers red berries, cherry and plum with garden herbs and a faint white floral note, and the cool coast shows again in a light saline edge. The palate is fresh and juicy, with soft tannins, lively acidity and a clean, slightly salty finish. This is an easy, low-alcohol red that gets out of the way at the table. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees, no decanting needed. It works with roast chicken, grilled pork, oily fish and tomato-based dishes.