The Wine Society's Generation Series Portuguese Red 2021

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Inspired by the history of early Portuguese reds, this is a cross-regional blend of indigenous grape varieties from the 2021 vintage, combining purity and fragrance with inviting silky texture. Our early catalogues give us no indication of the origins of the Portuguese red wines listed simply as 'Full, dry', but it is our supposition that these early reds would have been cross regional blends, with different elements transported by cask for blending – as much a security for the winemaker as to ensure the best possible result.

For our 150th Anniversary wine, we wanted to try to recreate the style, eschewing an appellation for the wine in favour of the integrity of wines of the time. The obvious choice of partner was Niepoort, leaders in Portuguese wine production and known both for their innovative streak and their sheer love of Portugal’s indigenous grapes and classic regions. Discussions began with the charismatic, creative, restless and inspirational Dirk Niepoort and the project was brought to fruition by his son Daniel, by blending wine from three regions.

35% of the wine is baga from the Bairrada DOC, from Niepoort’s own winery at Quinta de Baixo; 20% is from older, mixed-plantings in the Portalegre region in north-east Alentejo, close to the border with Spain, made at a rented winery; the balance of 45% is from Niepoort’s Quinta da Lomba in the Dão region, also an older vine field blend. This wine combines purity and fragrance with inviting silky texture.

Jo Locke MW, Buyer for Portugal