2022 Castas Escondidas Douro Tinto, Casa Ferreirinha

• Style: Portuguese Red Blend
• Taste: Black fruit, pepper, clove, balsamic spice, silky tannins
• Food: Game, Beef Stew, Duck Confit, Grilled Meats
• Occasion: Date Night, Gifting, Cellar Worthy
• Serve: 16–18°C, decant 30 mins

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Black fruits dominate the palate, underpinned by quiet pepper-and-clove spice that unfolds gradually. An earthy, balsamic undercurrent grounds the wine, with a mineral spine reflecting serious winemaking and old vineyard sites. Silky, polished tannins provide structure without heaviness; at 12.5% ABV and bone-dry, this full-bodied red still breathes with vibrant freshness and drive.

The Winery — Casa Ferreirinha

A pioneering force in Douro table wines since 1952, Casa Ferreirinha was the first producer in the region to dedicate itself entirely to still wines rather than Port. Named for the legendary Dona Antónia Ferreira, a visionary figure in wine history, the house carries forward her legacy of excellence. Today, winemaker Luís Sottomayor restrains the Douro's natural exuberance to craft wines married with vibrant freshness, lovely texture and depth. The 2022 vintage faced brutal conditions—record heat (46.5°C in Pinhão), drought stress, and yields down 13%—yet hardship produced concentration. Berries reaching harvest were smaller and more flavourful. This carefully curated blend—18% old-vine field blend plus selections of Tinta Amarela, Touriga Fêmea, Tinta Francisca, Tinto Cão, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Bastardo and Marufo—spent 18 months in used French oak, developing its polished structure.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Pair this wine with game, beef stew, duck confit, or any dish where fruit and spice need to cut through rich, savoury depth. The blend rewards curiosity—built from under-the-radar Portuguese varieties rather than usual Touriga Nacional headlines, it proves that restraint and variety depth matter more than brand recognition. Whether exploring Portugal's rare grapes or seeking a Douro wine with real freshness, this sits as proof of the region's quality evolution. Ideal for date nights, gifting, or cellaring for years ahead. Decant 30 minutes before serving at 16–18°C. Natural cork, 75cl. Browse more selections in our Full Bodied Red Wine range.