2022 Quinta Nova - Douro Tinto Unoaked (750ml)

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo has been shaped by the Amorim family since 1999, now guided by the fourth generation under Luisa Amorim, with winemakers Jorge Alves and Sónia Pereira overseeing the cellar. The estate first released its Unoaked bottling in 2003, conceived as a showcase for the Douro's indigenous grapes without any interference from wood, a deliberate departure from the region's more traditional, barrel-driven reds. It has since become one of the most respected examples of unoaked winemaking in Portugal, prized for letting the vineyard speak for itself.

This blend draws on Quinta Nova's signature Douro varieties, primarily Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão, along with a touch of Tinta Amarela. After fermentation the wine skips oak entirely, going straight to bottle in order to preserve the pure, vivid character of the fruit and the schist soils it grows in. Despite the absence of barrel aging, the wine is built with enough structure and density to be enjoyed young or held in the cellar for five to seven years.

The 2022 shows a bright ruby color with a youthful, exuberant, mineral-tinged nose. On the palate, ripe red berry aromas give way to juicy plum and cherry flavors touched with spice, framed by silky tannins and a smooth, easy finish. It pairs well with grilled sausages, tomato-based pasta, or a simple charcuterie board.