Quinta de Roriz is a smart property in the Douro owned by media baron João Van Zeller, who is, as you might expect, charming and articulate. His wines are made by the Symingtons, and tonight I’m drinking the affordable second wine, Prazo de Roriz, which at just 8€ a bottle, is potentially Portugal’s best value red wine.

Prazo de Roriz 2004 Douro, Portugal
A good deep colour, this has an inviting nose of pure, ripe red fruits, with some cherry and plum notes along with a hint of chocolatey richness. The palate is ripe with plenty of pure fruit, together with a spicy, savoury tang. A modern, fruity style with good concentration and purity. It’s almost new world style, but just about avoids being too forward and ripe. Convincing stuff and a bit of a bargain. Very good+ 87/100