Márcio Lopes - Proibido Clarete Douro Tinto 2021

Márcio Lopes studied as an engineer, but started his winemaking career working for two years with Vinho Verde master Anselmo Mendes in Melgaço. He then traveled to cool climate Australia (Rutherglen and Tasmania) before returning to Portugal in 2010 to start his own projects. This Clarete is a field blend from 40 year old vines at 650m on the left side of the river at Vila Nova de fox Côa. The destemmed grapes were native fermented in stainless, where it remained until bottling. More a darker hued rosé, this lighter red charms on the palate with pomegranate, wild raspberry, scrubby herbs, and rockrose. Tannins are near negligible, acting as just a guide to take this to a crushed stone finish. Enjoy this slight red with charcuterie or roasted beet salad.