Quinta de Santiago & Mira do Ó Minho Tinto 'Sou' 2021

The vibe: Red Vinho Verde! This Portuguese wine region is known for its light and refreshing white wines but Vinho Verde also produces some awesome light red wines. Typically these wines are a field blend of everything and the kitchen sink, including red and white varietals and can vary wildly in terms of quality. This bottle is the product of a collaboration between Quinta de Santiago and Mira do Ó, two rockstar winemakers drawn together for their love of rock music and obscure, nearly forgotten native red varietals. Sou (Son) is Portuguese for “I Am.” A joint project with Santiago (S) Nuno Mira do Ó (O) and rock & roll (think U-shaped hand gesture seen in the front row). A blend of white and red varietals farmed organically, this wine is both authentic and rebellious, and it definitely rocks.

The winemaker: A family winery since 1899, Quinta de Santiago in the heart of Vinho Verde is now in its fourth generation led by Joana Santiago. She and her family tend to the vineyards personally, ensuring all work is done manually and with ecologically responsible methods. The Santiago family farm was established in 1899, though it mainly produced olive oil, grains, meat and dairy. In 2009, at the insistence of the 86 year old matriarch, Mariazinha, they established a boutique winery focusing on small-production wines. Mariazhina’s granddaughter Joana now heads up the team at Quinta de Santiago. Like her grandmother, she’s dedicated to expressing their unique terroir through the lens of remarkable local varietal wines.

The geeky details: 70% Alvarelhão, with the remainder made up of Pedral, Borraçal, Cainho, Alvarinho & Vinhão. 40% whole cluster. 11 Months in used oak barrels on the lees. 12 Months in bottle.

Serve: With a light chill.

Food pairing: With its racy acidity, this makes a natural pairing for Portuguese-inspired seafood, pasta with crunchy, fresh tomatoes or a salad with a ton of tangy goat cheese.

Album pairing: Free Whenever - The Movement EP