Each month, we highlight an exceptional wine that deserves attention for its uniqueness, craftsmanship, and reflection of terroir. This March, we turn our focus to a wine that is both a revival of tradition and a modern expression of Portuguese viticulture—Proibido Marufo 2021 by Márcio Lopes.
Crafted from century-old Marufo vines in Portugal’s Douro Valley, this wine brings to light a nearly forgotten varietal that is seldom seen in single-varietal bottlings. Known for its delicate structure, bright aromatics, and remarkable freshness, Marufo challenges the dominant perception of Douro wines as bold and tannic. It offers an expression of elegance, low-intervention winemaking, and a deep connection to Portugal’s viticultural history.
A Wine That Reconnects with Portugal’s Viticultural Past
The Douro Valley is renowned worldwide for its structured reds and iconic Port wines, but beneath its well-known varieties lies a wealth of lesser-known, indigenous grapes that tell a deeper story of the region. Marufo is one such grape—a variety once commonly blended into traditional Douro wines, but rarely given the spotlight on its own.
Marufo (also known as Mourisco) is unique among Portuguese red grapes in that it produces wines of remarkable delicacy, it´s thin skins and naturally low tannins, make it an outlier in a region famed for its powerfully structured reds. This characteristic, however, is precisely what makes Proibido Marufo 2021 so compelling. It presents a completely different side of the Douro, one that emphasizes freshness, elegance, and purity of fruit rather than sheer intensity.
Winemaker Márcio Lopes, who has built his reputation on reviving forgotten traditions and working with old vineyards, sought out these ancient Marufo vines to showcase the grape’s intrinsic finesse and ability to express terroir. Cultivated in high-altitude sites with poor schist soils, the vines naturally produce low yields of highly concentrated, expressive fruit. Minimal intervention in the cellar allows the wine’s character to shine, resulting in a wine that is both historic in its inspiration and contemporary in its execution.
Tasting Profile: Elegance, Freshness, and a Distinct Sense of Place
Color & Clarity: Bright ruby, with a luminous transparency that hints at its refined, lifted style.
Aromatics: A strikingly fresh and perfumed nose, defined by red berries, pomegranate, and wildflowers, with underlying notes of dried herbs, subtle spices, and a distinctive mineral core that reflects the vineyard’s schistous soils.
Palate: In contrast to the full-bodied, tannic structure typical of Douro reds, Proibido Marufo 2021 offers a silky, medium-bodied texture, carried by vibrant acidity and finely integrated tannins. The palate showcases layers of raspberry, sour cherry, and redcurrant, with a gentle earthiness and a refined, saline edge that adds complexity and depth. The finish is long and clean, with a sense of precision and balance that makes the wine both highly drinkable now and promising for short- to medium-term aging.
Pairing Suggestions:
This is a versatile wine that pairs exceptionally well with a range of dishes. Its bright acidity and fine tannins make it an ideal complement to grilled lamb, duck, and herb-roasted chicken, while its delicate floral notes and purity of fruit allow it to pair equally well with seared tuna, vegetable-based dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine. It is a wine that can adapt to both refined dining and casual meals, offering something different with each pairing.
Why This Wine Deserves a Place in Your Cellar
1. A Rare and Authentic Expression of a Historic Grape
Marufo has largely faded into the background of Portuguese winemaking, often overshadowed by more dominant varieties like Touriga Nacional. This wine offers a rare opportunity to experience a variety with deep historical roots, crafted with modern precision.
2. A Showcase of Low-Intervention Winemaking
Márcio Lopes is known for his commitment to minimalist winemaking—letting the vineyard and vintage speak for themselves. No excessive extraction, no heavy oak influence—just pure, transparent expression.
3. A Limited-Production Wine Worth Savoring
As with many of Márcio Lopes’ small-batch projects, Proibido Marufo 2021 is produced in limited quantities, only 2000 bottles were released. Once these bottles are gone, there is no guarantee of future availability.
4. An Alternative to Traditional Douro Reds
For those looking to explore beyond the structured, high-tannin reds that dominate the Douro, this wine offers a fresh, elegant alternative while still maintaining a profound sense of regional identity.
Order Now – Available at Da Gama Wines
For those who appreciate wines that tell a story, express a place, and challenge expectations, Proibido Marufo 2021 is an essential addition to your collection.
With limited quantities available, we invite you to experience this rare and beautifully crafted Portuguese red before it disappears.
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Final Thoughts: A Wine That Captures Time and Terroir
Proibido Marufo 2021 taps directly into Portugal’s diverse viticultural landscape, a bottle that embodies tradition, innovation, and a dedication to authenticity. Márcio Lopes has once again shown that true greatness in winemaking is not about following trends, but about rediscovering and honoring forgotten gems.
Whether you choose to drink it now for its bright, floral energy or age it for further depth and nuance, this is a wine that will leave a lasting impression.
Explore it today at Da Gama Wines.
