Niepoort Batuta Tinto 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Niepoort is a renowned family-run Portuguese winery founded in 1842 and currently run by Dick Niepoort and his three sons. Batuta is a blend of Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, produced only in the finest vintages. The grapes come from two vineyards: Carril, a north-facing vineyard with vines over 70 years old, and a plot near Quinta de Nápoles with vines that are approximately 100 years old. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by a long maceration on the skins for approximately 80 days. The finished wine ages for about 20 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new. The resulting wine features the typical concentration coming from old Douro vines, further enhanced by the long maceration. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense, dark ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is complex and elegant, with notes of wild berries intertwined with floral hints and delicate woody nuances, on a mineral undertone. On the palate, it is generous and velvety, fruity and round. It has a lively, refreshing acidity and smooth, fine tannins. The finish is long, seductive, and savory. It's quite versatile when paired with food: it's excellent with red meat and lamb, but also pairs well with roasted octopus or monkfish.