Invés, Las Setas - 2023

It’s hard for me to resist a field blend. Harkening back to a more traditional method of winemaking, a field blend utilizes multiple grape varieties (often both red and white) that have been planted, harvested, and fermented together. In this case, the old-vine mixed plantings come from the “Las Setas” vineyard in Trás-os-Montes. Elevations are high, slopes are steep, and climate tends toward extremes, captured in the local saying, “10 months of winter and 2 months of hell.” Invés is a collaboration between João de Gouveia Osorio and Henrique Cizeron, two of Portugal’s brightest winemaking stars. For all its humble underpinnings, the Las Setas blew me away with its beautiful balance. It is inviting and aromatic, exuding red cherry, clove, star anise, and underbrush. Serve it chilled, and drink it alongside a perfectly grilled pork chop.