2020 PRUNUS, Tinto. Dao, Portugal

Dao is a region just south of the Douro river, and slightly cooler. The wines tend to be a little lighter than Douro reds, but in the past were always somewhat rustic, the tannins never really softening with age. Better winemaking has really shown the potential of both the region and the local varieties – in this case Jaen, another name for Mencia.

Jaen (80%), Tinta Roriz (10%), Alfrocheiro Preto (5%) and Touriga Nacional (5%) – matured for 6 months ageing in French and Portuguese oak barrels, but no wood used (the aims is not to add any ‘oakiness’.

A juicy, fresh, very modern style of Portuguese red – the label says a lot about the wine.