Casa Ferreirinha Callabriga 2022

Cellar for up to 6 years. No need to decant before serving. The grapes which go into the Callabriga are sourced from selected vineyards on the Quinta da Leda estate and neighbouring vineyards. The estate boasts a total of 10 hectares of vines which were planted in collaboration with the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro de Vila Real. Research was carried out to select the very best clones of local varieties which were then planted here on the estate. The Callabriga is predominantly made with Touriga Franca along with smaller amounts of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz which are all typical varieties found in the Douro wine region. Following the harvest the grapes are gently crushed and then macerated and fermented in stainless steel tanks and lagars which are shallow open troughs traditionally used in the region. The wine is then matured in French and American oak barrels for up to 18 months before the final blend is decided by the head winemaker. The result is a powerful dry red wine which exudes intense aromas of ripe plums, dark berries, black pepper and pine needles. The first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and a subtle freshness which balances the rich dark fruit flavours.

Price: £20.39 from 8wines UK