Domino Salao Frio Vitor Claro 2016

Though an acclaimed chef for the majority of his life, Vitor Claro was inspired to become a winemaker after a chance visit to old vineyards in the Alentejo and having made friends with winemaker, Dirk Niepoort. It is from those old vines in the hills of São Mamede, in Portalegre, Alto Alentego, that this wine, Salão Frio, is made. It is a field blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão, Arinto, Grand Noir de la Calmette and Tamarez from two separate plots, whole bunch fermented in stainless steel and matured in French oak barrels for 8 months. This is a wonderfully complex, vibrant and elegant style of wine, reflective of its old vines, higher altitude site and minimal intervention winemaking. A little off the beaten track but well worth trying!