WINE OF THE WEEK: Wine & Soul Manoella Douro Tinto 2023, Douro, Portugal

£19.30, Tanners

This is a wonderful old-vine red wine made in a traditional way by accomplished oenologists, husband and wife Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares de Silva, at the tiny estate around an old port warehouse in the Pinhão Valley in the Douro that they bought in 2003.

The 2023 Manoella is deep purple and richly aromatic, with black cherry, blackcurrant and mineral intensity, a glossy texture, satin-smooth tannins, a long spicy backbone and lovely freshness.

The average age of the vines – 30 different varieties in just 2.5ha – is more than 70 years and Manoella Tinto is a field blend of typical port varieties that includes 120-year-old vines of, predominantly, Touriga Nacional with some Tinta Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Francisca.

The grapes are foot trodden for 12 hours in traditional stone lagares before being fermented in stainless steel for 8 days then aged for 16 months in neutral, old French oak barrels. Foot treading is not for the faint-hearted.

You could easily cellar this for another five years, but it’s perfect to drink already – with food. Its soulmates are full-flavoured roasts or stews of red meat, venison or pork, and hearty vegetarian dishes with beans, root vegetables, squashes, chestnuts, herbs and spices. 13.5%.

Wine & Soul Manoella Douro Tinto 2023, Douro, Portugal

£19.30, Tanners; £10.30, half-bottle

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