Vale de Pios, Excomungado, Douro, Portugal 2018

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.