Natus Tinto 2023

Natus Tinto 2022, full bodied, natural red wine from Alentejo, fermented in Amphora, matured for one year with no inputs in very old Portuguese and French oak barrels.  Everything is spot on in the way they go about producing this top red at Natus wines.  Poor Schist soils in a micro climate which provides cool night time breezes, bush vines of mainly local varieties, Trincadeira and Castelão, low yields and foot trodden fruit, natural ferments, it has it all.  The final wine is absolutely lovely and so easy to enjoy, dark fruits, spices, balsamic notes and herbs, lovely texture and freshness with capacity to age.  Delicious, drink with everything meaty and cheesy.

After many years as a winemaker, though while still working at Cortes de Cima as head wine maker, Hamilton Reis and his wife, Susana, originally both from Porto, decided to put down roots in Vidigueira, Alentejo to start their own family winery. The origin of the name Vidigueira roughly means land of the vine, and Hamilton was drawn to the depth of cultural history related to winemaking.

His vision was clear, enjoyable wines, that respected traditional Alentejano methodology, the local grapes and the environment. He bought some land and started his project in 2008 but it took over 10 years to realise his first vintage and that came in 2020. His approach is 100% commitment. Organic in the vines (although not certified), low intervention in the winery, with natural ferments in steel, Talhas (local amphoras) and different types of wooden barrel. He doesn't filter and keeps the sulphur level very low. The micro-climate which brings cool night time breezes in from the west and the broken schist soil has a huge impact on the style of the wine.

The wines are for sure 'Vin de Terroir', stony, mineral, savoury whites with taught acid and a gastronomic profile and layered red wines which although full bodied, are fresh and elegant. These are wines which we knew would be there in Portugal but we struggled to come across. Now we have found them and drunk them, we are on the look out for more. In the meantime, try Natus, they are delicious.