Casa Ferreirinha, Vinha Grande Douro Tinto 2018

Casa Ferreirinha was the first producer in the Douro Valley, northern Portugal, dedicated entirely to cultivating grapes for wine, rather than Port. Named after Dona Antónia Ferreira, Casa Ferreirinha pays homage to the memory of the visionary woman who kickstarted this movement in 1952. Vinha Grande Douro Tinto 2018 is a punchy blend of native Portuguese grapes: 40% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional and 30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo). It's a deep ruby in colour with intense aromas of wild blackberry, red cherry and fleshy plum alongside florally-savoury notes of balsamic, tobacco and violet. Velvety tannins and a well-integrated acidity on the palate leads onto a long, harmonious finish. It's a very complex wine which represents excellent value.