Vinha Grande Tinto, Casa Ferreirinha

Quinta do Vale Maeo is perhaps the most famous and important vineyard in all of Portugal. For many years the grapes went into Casa Fereirrinha's Barca Velha, Portugal's most renowned wine but since 1999, the Olazabal family have bottled and released the wine under their own label. From these same old vineyards, they also produced a 'second wine' called Meandro, which is more approachable in it's youth (and more affordaable!). Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz account for 85% of the blend of this wine, which also includes Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão (typical mixture of Douro grapes). This is one of my favourite Douro reds; it's so rich and complex and to me, sums up what the Douro is all about. It is full-bodied with fairly robust tannins, so does need food - grilled meats or strong, hard cheeses work well - but the perfume is what sets it apart form the herd. Full of herbs and dark, brooding black fruits, it is completely beguiling. A real wine and one that is utterly satisfying. This benefits from a bit of time in a decanter or would improve further if cellared for up to 10 years. Great value for such an amazing wine.