Cellar for up to 20 years or more. Decant for an hour or more before serving.

Monte Xisto Órbita is a bold Douro blend, exhibiting an almost purple colour in the glass. It has a pungent bouquet of blackberry, cassis, spice and cocoa, revealing more detail as it aerates. The grapes were harvested from winery-owned vineyards on the left bank of the Douro: 70% from a plot of Touriga Nacional, and 30% from a plot of mixed red grapes, with a different sun exposure.

Nicolau de Almeida and Sons is a family operation, spanning two generations. It was founded in 1993 by João Nicolau de Almeida, the son of Fernando, who created Barca Velha, Portugal’s most famous table wine. João’s vision began with a 10-hectare plot of land on the side of a schist hill, which has served as the foundation for his incredible range of Douro Valley wines.

Órbita offers a different perspective of Douro, exciting, silky and round in the mouth, with a more subtle oak influence. The grapes were all harvested by hand before being crushed in the traditional way: barefoot. You can discover notes of black fruit and chocolate on the palate, leading into a long and spicy finish. Órbita can be aged for some time or enjoyed while it is youthful and enthusiastic. Enjoy it alongside Alheira sausage, red meat, or a charcuterie board.