Wine & Soul is a story of Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges, who began their adventure in the Douro Valley in 2001. At the forefront of the dry wine movement, they sought out the oldest vines, uncovering more than 40 native grapes, in the Vale de Mendiz, the high-altitude “crème de la crème” spot of the Douro’s middle sub-region, the Cima Corgo. Twenty-two years later, they still operate a humble garagiste-style winery, making some of the most influential wines in Portugal. Pintas Character is the baby wine of Pintas. Named after their English Pointer, Pintas was the first wine of the estate, crafted from a field blend of 40 old-vine, indigenous varietals. Pintas Character captures 30 grapes in the glass, from five plots surrounding the original Pintas vineyard. I was fortunate to taste this wine, with a few colleagues and Sandra, high-up in the dead silent trees of the Vale de Mendiz. When I looked back at my journal, a swirl of stars and exclamation points interrupted my brief tasting notes. The key grapes are Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinta Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Rufete which show off a mix of dark red fruits and plump purple ones. Aged in 2nd and 3rd year-use barrels for 18 months, the palate has a luscious grip, reminiscent of a pricey Pomerol, with pretty perks of violets, wild forest, and sweet cigar. If you’re a fan of places like Ribera del Duero, Rioja Alavesa, or right bank Bordeaux, put Pintas Character on your list, and discover more delicious things to come from Portugal, and beyond.  Happy Drinking, Allegra A