Douro Batuta, Niepoort 2021

The 2021 Batuta is the only red that is produced 100% with destemmed grapes, and it fermented with very long macerations (like an infusion) of up to four months, looking for very tight tannins with tension but without being aggressive. It matured in 228-liter oak barrels, 25% of them new, for some 18 months. But the wine is not oaky at all, especially in this cooler 2021 vintage, when it comes through as very young and elegant and light on its feet. It has only 12% alcohol and a velvety palate with very elegant, fine-grained and round tannins; it is sleek, polished and seamless, with a very tasty finish, almost salty too. It comes from very old vines planted with a field blend of local varieties, from two vineyards that fermented separately. The vineyards are very different—one high altitude, windy and healthy and the other one shady, with lots of humidity and not a lot of sunlight—and, when blended together, they make for a very complete and nuanced red. It has freshness, wild fruit, concentration and lightness. They changed this wine to this new profile and concept in 2018. I love it! 7,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2023.