Marquês De Borba ‘Vinhas Velhas’ 2020, Alentejo

Marquês de Borba is leading the way in sustainable wine farming in Portugal’s Alentejo. Here, João Maria Ramos, the son of João Portugal, one of the country’s most-famous winemakers, is a champion of lesser-known indigenous varieties and artisan techniques. He produces great wines from old vines (vinhas velhas) in Estremoz. Here a blend of red grapes is foot-trodden in traditional lagares tanks then aged in oak barrels. The result? A full-bodied and velvety wine that packs intense sunshine flavours into every sip. Think black fruit, eucalyptus and spice. Pair it with roasted meats such as lamb, venison or duck, or richly flavoured vegetarian casseroles. James Suckling gave the 2019 vintage 92 points.