Arribas Wine Company is the wonderful project of Ricardo Alves and Frederico Machado, two friends who set out to rediscover the extraordinary old vineyards of Trás-os-Montes, in Portugal's remote northeast, right along the dramatic cliffs of the Douro River near the Spanish border. Founded in 2017, their work revolves around rescuing abandoned vineyards, preserving forgotten indigenous grape varieties and making wines that celebrate the region's remarkable history. These are rugged landscapes, ancient vines and some seriously exciting winemaking.

Saroto Palhete is a beautiful nod to one of Portugal's oldest winemaking traditions. Made from a remarkable field blend of more than 40 indigenous grape varieties, including Tinta Gorda, Tinta Serrana, Bastardo, Rufete, Alvarelhão, Alfrocheiro, Verdelho and Malvasia, with approximately equal proportions of red and white grapes from vineyards over 50 years old. Palhete refers to the traditional practice of fermenting red and white grapes together, creating a wine that sits somewhere between a light red and a deeply coloured rosé. It's a wonderful way of preserving the character of these historic mixed vineyards.

The 2024 is wonderfully juicy and full of personality, with crunchy wild strawberries, sour cherries, pomegranate and a little floral perfume. There's a lovely rustic charm beneath all that bright fruit, with gentle tannins, lively acidity and a refreshing savoury finish.

A proper little Portuguese gem. Light, vibrant and ridiculously enjoyable with a slight chill, but with enough character to remind you that there's some serious history behind every bottle.