Souzão

Sousão, also written Souzão, is the Douro name for Vinhão, a red grape associated with the Minho and Vinho Verde in northern Portugal. Across the border in Galicia it is called Sousón. These regional names refer to the grape covered here; Sezão is a separate variety that Portugal renamed specifically to reduce confusion with the Douro grape.

Deep colour and high acidity explain its usefulness in the cellar. In the Douro it can strengthen a blend without needing to dominate its volume, and its rapid colour extraction is useful in Port production. The Douro and Port institute also describes a rustic, tannic character, so an almost opaque glass should not be mistaken for a promise of softness.

Galician Sousón can bring dark fruit, floral notes and substantial structure to both blends and varietal reds. Vinhão offers another route into red Vinho Verde, a different starting point from the familiar whites. Choose the region and wine style first: a dry red and a fortified Port containing the same grape serve different occasions. For a dry bottle, try roast pork or a bean stew and adjust serving temperature to taste.