Dao, Portugal
Antonio Lopes Ribiero and Sara Dionisio left their steady jobs in the art world in Lisbon and moved back to Mouraz, Antonio’s birthplace where his family has had vineyards for many generations. The land had been farmed organically before, and that’s how Sara and Antonio wished to continue. Making wine in their tiny winery, adjacent to the local village church and just a stone’s throw away from the house Antonio was born in, they have deep generational ties to their village, Mouraz, and its terroir.
This 60-year-old vineyard is 100-400 metres above sea level and planted with both red and white grapes, predominantly Portuguese varieties. Farming is done biodynamically, with special care given to preserve the natural environment surrounding the vineyards.
Nina is a field blend of over 20 grapes, of which 50% are white varietals and 50% red. Brilliant, pale ruby red in the glass almost verging on a darkish rosé. The nose is explosive with raspberry, sour cherry and currant notes with a wet stone minerality. The palate is light-bodied, zesty and refreshingly vibrant, with cranberry, raspberry, red liquorice and a touch of fresh garden herbs. There is a “sweet-tart” nature to this wine that makes it thirst-quenching and super gluggable.
Chill lightly and enjoy with classic weeknight dinners like grilled salmon, pork tenderloin or roast chicken.