Pios Excomungado 2020 Douro Superior

Excommunicated from oak! So this blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca, tintas cao and roriz, and a sprinkle of syrah, is produced in steel tank. An expert extraction brings the fresh feel of an old school claret, although the notes of balsam, plum and dried pepper are essence of Douro. 'The less I do, the better I do,' in the words of winemaker Joaquim Almeida. - Decanter Wines of the week, October 2023: Score: 93, Tasted by Ines Salpico (London, 26 Jun 2023), Drinking Window: from 2023 to 2030. 'Crafted by architect-turned-winemaker Joaquim Almeida, this Douro red's chiselled minerality and transparency of fruit reflects his hands-off approach and lets the local varieties and schist soils speak for themselves. Aged for four years in stainless steel and 12 months in bottle (no oak!), the tannins are soft and poised, supporting the plum, red cherry and blood orange flavours with ease. Simply delicious.'