Antonio Madeira Vinhas Velhas Tinto 2022

This cuvée is born in the Dão, at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, on plots of very old vines planted between 500 and 600 metres above sea level. Around 50 to 100 years old, they sink their roots into poor granite soils and bring together, as a field blend, a vast heritage of native grape varieties. Farmed biodynamically, these mountain vines express a fresh, fine and mineral reading of their terroir.

The grapes are harvested by hand and the plots are vinified separately. Fermentation starts with native yeasts in open-top fermenters, with very gentle extraction carried out like an infusion. After pressing, the wine completes its malolactic fermentation in used French oak barrels. Ageing continues for 18 months in 225- to 600-litre barrels, then for a further 6 months in stainless-steel tanks to harmonise the blend.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry, morello cherry, plum, vine peach, wild blackberry, dried flowers, violet, aromatic herbs, pine resin, pepper, tea and wet granite. The palate combines a fluid, silky texture with vibrant acidity; the fine, supple tannins frame delicate yet deep fruit. The long, saline and mineral finish precisely extends the flavours of fruit and spice.

Portugal's rich history is closely linked to its wines, especially its most famous wine, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still alive in modern Portugal today. A good holiday in the heart of this country, where Port wines were born, is a unique way to discover Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside and, of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it was not until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portugal's table wine had already been in great demand since the mid-17th century, mainly from the British. To make the rustic Portuguese wines more stable and more pleasant to drink, small amounts of brandy were added to the casks of wine before shipping. Eventually, British firms began to invest in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation rather than after, which preserved the distinctive fruity flavours of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro region in the development of modern-style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved winegrowing techniques and the modernisation of the industry are producing interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (more than 500) of native grape varieties (albeit sometimes unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that make Port, Madeira or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbour Spain, Portugal has been undergoing a quiet revolution for some twenty years. Its reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now paying off, and the new breed of wines full of "terroir effect" and fruit is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavours that characterise Portugal's native grape varieties have become its great asset. Good news for anyone looking for a change from wines made from the ubiquitous international grape varieties. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, from east to west, from mountain to maritime vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to Port, from crisp dry whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.