Socalco Douro Tinto 2019

The Douro is famous for port and now wines too. Due to incredibly steep vineyards and naturally low yields, making wine here is expensive. Socalco, however, is excellent value. It's made at a cellar founded by two famous wine figures – João Portugal Ramos, one of the country's most famous winemakers, instrumental in the quality revolution of its wines, and José Maria Soares Franco, winemaker of £200 per bottle Barca Velha, a top Douro red for 27 years. In 2007, they joined forces to start a new venture in the Upper Douro and the results have been impressive. Today, João's son, João Maria, has joined them as winemaker, and their wines continue to be terrific value. Made from classic port grapes, it has spicy dark fruit and freshness.