2022 Freire Lobo 'Vigno' Tinto

40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Alfrocheiro, 25% Jaen, 5% Tinta Roriz. The grapes are hand harvested. They are farmed organically with some biodynamic principles with the goal of maintaining a balanced biodiversity. Bordaleiras sheep (typical of Serra da Estrela) graze the land during the winter months to control herb growth and add essential fertilizer. Fermentation occurs in open top wooden vats with whole clusters and indigenous yeasts only.

There are so many things to like about this wine from beginning to end.  The nose is fresh and fruity with savory accents of red currant and baking spice.  Pink peppercorns, spiced cherry, purple flowers, red plums and brand new leather. Open knit aromas, soft texture, and loads of length on the finish.

Elisa Lobo began her winemaking career in 1996, working and studying in the Bairrada region at Caves São João and the following year in the Douro with Anselmo Mendes. In 1999, Elisa decided to return to her birthplace—the Dão region. In the ensuing years, she went on to work with many of the most respected producers of the region, including Casimiro Gomes, Carlos Rodrigues, Carlos Lucas, Alvaro Castro and the late Magalhães Coelho.

In 2010, Elisa felt the need to build her own project with her family’s vineyards. Her family has been growing grapes in the Dão for decades. The vineyards are in Oliveira do Hospital, near Serra da Estrela, at 560 to 600 meters above sea level. Immediately, Elisa began converting the vineyards to organic farming and restoring the biodiversity.  The traditional methods of the vineyards flow directly into the winery where all fermentations are spontaneous using only indigenous yeasts. 2014 was her first bottled vintage. The altitude and health of the vineyards along with the granite soils produce wines with great freshness, minerality, and unique elegance.