From the Alentejo region of Southern Portugal, inland away from the Ocean where sunshine-filled days ripen a field blend of fruit to juicy perfection, Herdade do Esporao crafts expressive wines with structure and robust character, at incredibly approachable prices, and all from organically certified fruit. Blending Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Franca from youthful estate vines (averaging 12 years old) Esporao Colheita Tinto (red) ($17) showcases the region with a sense of place, revealing earthy mineral notes from granite and schist filled soils. The fruit is co-fermented with foot trading, in the traditional Portuguese style, before limited aging in concrete tanks, keeping a nice freshness in the bold wine.

Concentrated and dense, the wine melds fruit-forward layers of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and dried fig with leather and dark chocolate. Concentrated without being weighty, with nicely integrated tannins and enough acidity to keep you coming back for more. Pair with braised stews, hard cheese, grilled beef or game.