The Douro continues to make an increasingly compelling case for a place among the world’s great fine-wine regions, and tasting the latest releases from Vinhos Invincible only strengthens that conviction.
Invincible is the Portuguese project of South African winemaking legend Marc Kent and Douro local Rita Marques. Relatively new in a region with centuries of history behind it, the pair work with some remarkable old-vine parcels, combining the traditions and distinctive character of the Douro with a precision and polish that marks them out as one of the most exciting producers of the region’s new generation.
Offer closes at midday Tuesday 13th October
Marc and Rita keep their range small, with Invincible Tinto sitting at the top of the tree. Last year it was joined for the first time by a sister white, Invincible Branco. The red has built a loyal following among Wine Society members over several vintages, while the reception for the inaugural Branco last year was remarkable and, having tasted the wine, entirely justified.
For all its history and extraordinary vineyard heritage, the Douro’s reputation for serious table wine is still relatively young. That is changing quickly. The potential of its indigenous varieties is increasingly recognised internationally, while a growing number of ambitious producers are demonstrating just how refined, complex and ageworthy the region’s wines can be.
For fine-wine drinkers, that makes this a particularly interesting moment. Quality has moved forward at remarkable speed, but prices have yet to follow to anything like the same extent. These remain wines to buy because they are delicious, rather than simply because they represent good value, but compared with the established fine-wine regions they offer an increasingly rare combination of individuality, quality and value.
This pair encapsulates the argument beautifully. Both are complex, distinctive and expressive of their origins, with the structure and substance to reward time in the cellar. Most importantly, they are absolutely delicious.
The wines
Anyone who follows Port will already know the excitement surrounding the 2024 vintage. A cooler, more measured and drawn-out growing season provided excellent conditions not only for Port but for the Douro’s best table wines. In Invincible Tinto that has translated into a particularly precise and finely defined expression, combining the depth expected of the Douro with freshness, elegance and remarkable poise.
Invincible Branco comes from the warmer 2025 vintage. Here, the altitude of the old vineyards proved invaluable, tempering the summer heat and preserving freshness in the fruit. The result is a wonderfully assured white: plush and silky in texture, but with the freshness and structure to carry its considerable complexity and gravitas.
Following the reception for the inaugural vintage of the Branco, this is a wine well worth discovering now. Together, these two releases make a persuasive case for why the modern Douro deserves serious attention and space in the cellar.
