Constantino Ramos Zafirah 2022
Constantino Ramos' Zafirah is a juicy red wine made predominantly from the Alvarelhão grape, alongside Borraçal, Pedral, Espadeiro and Vinhão varieties. Following a rigorous selection from four small, trellised vineyards, the grapes were hand-harvested in perfect condition, destemmed and pressed after a 24 hour cold soak to be vinified like a white wine. The juice (with no skins) was naturally fermented in a mix of stainless steel (2/3) and used French oak barrels (1/3). The wine was blended after six months ageing and bottled un-fined. Light to mid bright raspberry colour. Inviting, lively dark-red-fruit aroma, just slightly peppery. Really juicy and pure-fruited with intensity even though it is so light in alcohol and body. High-acid yet the fruit holds its own. Pure and utterly irresistible. (Julia Harding, 17 points, Jancis.Robinson.com).
