2019 Folias de Baco Vinho Tinto 'Uivo Renegado'

Region: Alto Douro < Portugal

Grapes: field blend of 25+ red and white varieties

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; 80+ year old vines on schist/granite slopes at 700m; all 25+ varietals are hand harvested separately in September and undergo vineyard sorting. The whole clusters macerate for three days, followed by spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts lasting roughly three weeks in large granite lagars (1000L). The wine spends six months on lees with stirring once every two weeks only at the beginning of aging. Aged for six months in 2-3 year old chestnut oak (225L)(5%) and the rest in cement. Not fined or filtered. Minimal So2 at bottling only; 11.5% ABV

Winemaker: Tiago Sampaio

Tiago Sampaio's childhood spent piggybacking on his grandfather through the farms and vineyards inspired him to start his own wine project. He studied agriculture and agricultural engineering at university, then went on to get his PhD in Oregon for Viticulture and Enology. He took all of this learning and returned to the Douro to create his estate in the Alto Douro, where the land is rough, tough and challenging, with vines clinging to steep slopes of schist and granite. In this modern, mostly conventional wine region Tiago is making wine the old way, favoring field blends and pushing boundaries.

We love this light, bright field blend, a dark pink/light red color that can go both ways.  It's bone dry and mineral-driven, with tart red fruit, earth and a punchy pomegranate zing.  Chilled down, it makes the ultimate aperitivo red or wine to accompany veggie dishes of any kind.  Super easy, delicious and versatile. You'll find this fun juice in our glasses all summer long.