Trans Douro Express Douro Superior 2022

Mateus Nicolau de Almeida belongs to one of the Douro's most important winemaking families and built this project to show the character of the river's three sub-regions. This wine comes from the Douro Superior, the hottest and driest sector in the far east near the Spanish border. The traditional field blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Amarela and Touriga Franca grows on broken schist soils, where the vines drive deep through the layered rock for water, taking on a marked mineral, savoury character. The continental heat ripens the fruit fully, while the schist and altitude preserve freshness and acidity. The wine ages in cement tanks, which allow a slow, gentle micro-oxygenation while staying neutral, so no oak masks the fruit or the soil signature. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows dark plum, red berries, black pepper, liquorice and dried thyme. The palate is full and fresh, with firm, grainy tannins, savoury depth and a long, stony finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled and roasted meats.