Barao da Varzea do Douro Tinto (Portugal)

A crowd-pleasing, warm and juicy red, made by our good friend Bernardo Lencastre – the loveable nutcase who makes our best-selling Vila Nova Vinho Verde.

This medium-bodied blend from the Douro has bright aromas of wild blackberry and spice. The palate has ripe bramble fruit, supple tannins and juicy acidity.

The local grapes – Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Tinta Roriz – grow in fine soils with some schist in vineyards near Cambres, in the western part of the Douro valley and south of the river. The climate here is warm and dry, and some of the vines are over 50 years old. After harvesting fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with a small portion (around 10%) ageing for 4 months in 2nd year French oak barrels, before the final blending and bottling.

Perfect with hearty bean and lentil casseroles, with or without sausages.