Wine Note – 2022 Animus Douro Reserva
2022 Animus Douro Reserva (Aldi £7.49)
2024 – 93. 2025 – 94. They look like the points totals that would have a club vying for promotion to the Premier League and the big money. But in this case, they are the points awarded by the IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition) to this Portuguese wine, which costs little money.
But is it worth drinking?
Like last month’s bottle, it’s from the Douro region. This time it’s a red and made, unfortified, from grape varieties traditionally used for port.
Again, it’s made from unfamiliar grapes: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional.
Maybe that’s why it’s cheap – consumers are unwilling to take an expensive risk by buying something they’ve never heard of.
It’s deep red in colour. It has a very attractive aroma of red fruits and spices.
There’s plenty of fruit on the palate, balanced by acid and tannin. Buy it and drink it now and the go back for more while it’s at this price.
If this got more than 90 points, what did you get for 46 points. As Leicester City know, the answer is relegation. 95 points and promotion next season?
As the Portuguese say “Vamos brindar a isso!” – Let’s drink to that.
John Freeland
u3a Wine Tasting Group
Fleckney Spinners
