Folias de Baco, Uivo Vinhas Velhas Tinto, Douro, Portugal

Tiago Sampaio farms in the Douro Valley however he's doing everything a little bit differently. Rather than farming near the river he is growing at high altitude which helps slow down ripening, increase complexity and maintain freshness in the wines. Another differing factor is the soil type, his vines are growing in a shist / clay / granite mix in contrast to the more usual shist / slate soils elsewhere.

For this wine a field blend of grapes from 80 year old vines are gently destemmed before being foot trodden and then separated into parcels. Some parcels are kept on the skins for 5 days, others for 4 months. The parcels are then blended and aged for 3 years in old barrels.

Beautiful soft tannins, notes of red and black forest berries with a savoury spice.