Irreverente: An Unsung Hero?

The awesome power of branding. I would not have looked twice at this cheap regional red wine but for the label. The modern style makes it stand out from the crowd. Leap off a wine shop shelf full of traditional images and boring fonts.

I often find a funky modern label can hide a multitude of sins. The design trying too hard to make up for what is essentially a lackluster wine, though thankfully Irrevernte doesn't fall into this category. 

From the little known & little used new Terras Do Dao classification in central Portugal.

Not classifying itself as a Dao wine allows the producer, Udaca, to break away from the stringent rules and regulations that govern the DOC. They can show their maverick side, their irreverent side. 

To this end this wine is a blend of four Portuguese grapes; Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen and Alfrocheiro Pretoa. It also uses a Bordeaux shape bottle instead of the classic Burgundy shape which is the norm for Dao wines. I guess it's also the reason for the cool modern name 'Irreverente'.

This is wine is like a cross between a Argentine Malbec and Douro Red wine. Dark cherries and bramble are the key fruits and a clear use of oak is present but it is a touch bitter, a little rough around the edges, it's not quite in balance. Though it's by no means harsh, this particular bottle disappeared very quickly  pairing perfectly fried chorizo and for less than £5 it is a bargain.