The WINES from DOURO
Located in Northeast Portugal, within the Douro River basin, surrounded by craggy mountains that give it very particular soil and climacteric characteristics, this region spreads over a total area of approximately 250 000 hectares and is divided into three sub-regions that differ greatly from each other not only as regards the weather but also for socio-economical reasons.
The existing characteristics in the Douro region affect the economic use that is made of the natural resources and the activities developed there. In the old days, viticulture was only greatly widespread in the upper stretches of the Douro River, which is why many authors adopted the expression "Upper Douro" when they referred to the winemaking region known today as the Lower and Upper Corgo. One of the original demarcations that separated the so-called "Alto Douro" from the "Douro Superior" (very upper Douro) was the Cachão de Valeira canyon. This geological obstacle consisted of a huge granite outcrop that prevented navigation beyond this obstacle. The differences between the two areas were truly visible, be it only the spreading vineyards below it.
Later, with the removal of the block of granite during the reign of queen Dona Maria II, viticulture spread eastwards, albeit less extensively so in the truly Upper Douro. Following the administrative reforms of 1936, the area below the canyon was subdivided into two sub-regions, the Lower Corgo and the Upper Corgo, and these designations were also applied to the different wines produced in both these sub-regions. The Lower Corgo has the largest amount of land under vines. The Upper Corgo extends upstream from that point to the Cachão de Valeira and is less covered with vineyards. The Upper Douro, the name now exclusively applied to the area above the Cachão de Valeira, extends east up to the Spanish border.
The characteristics of the climate, topography e soil in the Douro affect the degree to which the natural resources can be profitably used and the activities that develop around them. It was the co-existence of several types of quality wine in the Demarcated Region of the Douro that determined the need for the criteria that are applied to selecting and sharing the musts that are produced in the region. Thus, of the entire amount of land under vines, only 26 000 ha are authorised for Port Wine.
Viticulture, the main activity of most farmers in the region, takes place under particularly rigorous climacteric conditions, on stony soil that cannot be put to any other use. Before a vineyard can be planted on the very steep slopes, the land has to be shaped to form terraces. The manner by which the vines are trained is the one that best overcomes the restraints imposed upon them by the climate, the soil, the needs of the plants and the production goals. In many cases, almond and olives trees are planted around the edges of the vineyards.
Douro was the world first Demarcated Wine Region, created in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal, a minister under King Dom José I. From the top of a belvedere or from a mountain pinnacle, Douro region, adopted by UNESCO as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, arouses feelings and emotions that poets, writers and artists over time have, in vain, tried to immortalize in words or in coloured brushstrokes. Since ancestral times, duriense man was forced by necessity to invent its own survival; with its arms strength shaped the secular landscape and the poor and rough soil, turning it in endless suspended gardens that today produce one of the most world famous nectars. Although Port wine is its most famous product, wine connoisseurs find red and white wines produced here equally fascinating.
The region dry and hot summers combined with its barren and rocky soil restrict production to small quantities, but of high quality. The reds are dense, with intense notes of blackberry, and everything that a young Port wine has can be found. A red wine from Douro is an invitation to the sublimation of pleasures.
Because of the various technological choices currently available, Douro wines are made in a wide range of styles.
White wines can be fresh, with fruity and floral aromas and an intense bouquet, and these should be consumed young. One can also find white wines that have fermented or aged in wood. These are wines with complex aromas of tropical fruit, with a touch of almonds, buttery, full-bodied and with a potential for ageing.
Red wines may be young, with aromas of cherry and raspberry, rounded and ready to be consumed as soon as they are bottled. The Douro Region is also particularly suitable for making red wines for ageing. When these are young, they are a deep purple, with aromas of black fruit, chocolate, violet and touches of wood, in the event that one choose this type of ageing. These full-bodied and powerful wines in their youth become complex and delicate when they reach their peak.
I –ADEGA COOPERATIVA DE ALIJÓ
Alijó is an historic town situated at the foot of the Vilarelho Mountain, on the Alijó Plateau, 600m above sea level. According to the legend, it was founded by the Arabian Emir Ali Job, who gave it its name. The cultivation of vines started to be practised in this region long ago, and there are signs of it in the Roman and Visigoth eras.
RESERVES FROM ALIJÓ
Red Reserves are a selection of the finest Douro stocks and grown on vines at altitudes of between 150 and 500 metres. The vines are grown on steep hills of schistose shale soil, rising several hundred metres from the banks of the Douro River. The predominant stocks are Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Mourisco. The wines are made by the system of fermentation on the skin in stainless steel self-emptying casks, and under controlled temperatures. They are aged in wooden casks of French oak for a variable period according to type and brand, and later they are further aged in the bottle. Their range of alcoholic content varies between 12º and 13,5º. Reserves are only produced in good quality years.
Appellation: Douro Reserves
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Wines notes of taste
These reserves are rich, concentrated, full of earthy black fruits with a hint of old French oak. They invite us to powerful sensations, however they are light-bodied, smooth and aromatic.
Recommendations
Reserves should be served at between 16º and 20ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed.
Suggestions
Reserves are an ideal choice to go with meat and fish plates, as well as cheese and desserts.
II – DOURO WINES AND RESERVES OF GONÇALO SOUSA LOPES AND RUI CUNHAThe simplicity of a handmade masterpiece.
SECRET SPOT – Douro Red 2004 – Single Vineyard
Appellation: Douro
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Secret Spot is a project of Gonçalo Sousa and Rui Lopes da Cunha which aims to produce wines of a single vineyard that have potential to create a wine of unique qualities. Every year different vineyards that we think to have these potential are followed by us, but only one will bear the Secret Spot label. To maintain the secrecy, colours are attached to these vineyards so they can be identified. We recognize the origin of the wine by the colour dot at the top of the capsule. The label golden colour has been chosen to represent the Douro region.
The year
The vineyard year of 2004 started with a dry winter. The first rains came in proper time, which so much contributed to the uniform development of the vine. The beginning of the maturation period of happened in very unusual conditions for the region, i.e. mild temperatures and relatively high humidity. In early September the dry and warm weather returned, providing therefore a perfect ripeness, essential to obtain grapes of the highest quality.
Vineyard
The vine that led to the Secret Spot first edition is characterized by its aged over 70 years where a mixture of the region traditional varieties grows, and also by its low production per strain (less than 200 grams). The vines had a low vegetative growth, with small bunches holding small scattered berries. For a layman would be an abandoned vineyard. The human intervention is merely limited to pruning and harvest.
Harvest
The grapes were hand harvested to boxes of 15kg and moved away from the plot with the aid of a mule. Then the grapes went to refrigerated facilities where they remained at 5 ° C for 18 hours.
Wine production process
This is the selection of individual bunches in carpet, total removal of leaves, followed by a soft crushing of the berries. The fermentation takes place in the stone mill using the traditional foot trodden. The temperature control is moderate. The wine stages in new oak casks for 14 months. A minimalist oenological attitude was adopted throughout this production process to ensure the wine’s whole personality. The wine is neither filtered nor stabilized by the cold. With time natural sediments may be formed.
Colour
Very intense red.
Aroma
Young wine, combining depth and complexity. It made us remember very ripe forest fruits with a note of spices beyond the balsamic side. Elegant sweetie and smoked component afforded by the stage in barrels.
Notes of taste
It has a very soft attack. The tannins are present, but they are very thin and smooth. Secret Spot is a full-bodied and concentrated wine with long and attractive ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 16º and 20ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. When still young, we recommend its decantation, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
Secret Spot is a wonderful and perfect choice to go with strong plates full of personality, such as black pig, hare and pheasant.
CROOKED VINES 2005Appellation: Douro
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Vineyard
The grapes come from very old vines embedded in small valleys. The ancestral cultural practices recommended a high density of vines, thus forcing the roots to explore deeper soil horizons. This practice together with the age of the strains leads to a low production. All these vines have a common characteristic: present an aged and twisted trunk- "Crooked Vines."
Varieties
Crooked Vines is the product of a typical mixture of duriense varieties.
Wine production process
Partial stripe of the grape followed by a gentle crushing. The fermentation takes place in the stone mill using the traditional foot trodden, and in stainless steel vats where daily manual soft remakes are performed allowing protracted fermentation. The temperature control is moderate. The wine stages in new oak casks for 16 months. The wine is neither filtered nor stabilized by the cold. With time natural sediments may be formed.
Colour
Intense maroon and violet colour.
Aroma
Crooked Vines has a complex and intense aroma, where ripe red and black fruits combined with balsamic hints comes out. Its fund is floral with notes of spices.
Notes of taste
It is full-bodied, voluminous while an elegant wine, it has firm and ripe tannins with prolongation.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 16º and 20ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
Crooked Vines is a wonderful and perfect choice to go with hunting or game plates and strong cheeses.
SEDNA - DOURO RED RESERVEAppellation: Douro Reserves
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Vineyard
A set of old vineyards planted on terraces predominantly south exposed with a very poor and rocky soil were selected to produce this reserve. This wine complexity comes from the high density of vines, low yields and a wide range of varieties.
Varieties
Traditional old duriense varieties.
Wine production process
Total stripe of the grape followed by a gentle crushing. The fermentation takes place in the stone mill using the traditional foot trodden and combined with daily manual soft remakes. The temperature control is moderate. The wine stages in new oak casks for 12 months. The wine is neither filtered nor stabilized by the cold. With time natural sediments may be formed.
Colour
Good dark ruby colour.
Aroma
Sedna Reserve has a ripe aroma with good intensity, where red fruits stand out and elegant floral notes. Light suggestions to casks toasts.
Notes of taste
It has full-bodied, voluminous and elegant tasting notes, with persistent ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 16º and 18ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed.
Suggestions
Sedna Reserve is an ideal choice to go with Mediterranean plates, as well as traditional Portuguese gastronomy.
SEDNA DOURO RED
Appellation: Douro
Sub region: Upper Corgo and Douro Superior
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Vineyard
The Torto River is one of the main tributaries of Douro’s southern bank. The selected vineyards to produce this wine are old ones with about 40 to 50 years planted in terraces with a range of different varieties. The terraces levels have different exposures, orientations and altitudes without ever leaving the river vicinity, printing to wine different characteristics: fruit, freshness and body. The grapes from Muxagata contribute to the colour and structure due to their deeper maturation conditions.
Varieties
Traditional duriense varieties, such as Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barroca.
Wine production process
Total stripe of the grape followed by a gentle crushing. The fermentation takes place in the stone mill using the traditional foot trodden and in small stainless steel vats where daily manual soft remakes. The temperature control is moderate. The wine partially stages in new oak casks for 10 months. The wine is neither filtered nor stabilized by the cold. With time natural sediments may be formed.
Colour
Intense ruby colour.
Aroma
Fresh aroma with good intensity, elegant floral notes and mild suggestions of casks toasts.
Notes of taste
Smooth, elegant recalling berries with persistent ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 15º and 17ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed.
Suggestions
Sedna Douro Red is an ideal choice to go with Mediterranean plates, as well as traditional Portuguese gastronomy.
SEDNA DOURO WHITE
Appellation: Douro
Sub region: Favaios, Upper Corgo.
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Vineyard
The choice of location is due to the altitude at which the vineyards and the varieties are. At 550m the maturation is smooth providing a high concentration aromatic and a balanced acidity.
Varieties
Gouveio, Rabigato, Moscatel, Malvasia Fina and Fernão Pires.
Wine production process
Total stripe of the grape. The grapes are crushed whole. Static defecation. The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats with temperature control. The wine is left sur lie for 4 months.
Colour
A fresh citrus green colour.
Aroma
The aroma is intense and fresh with elegant floral and tropical notes.
Notes of taste
The Sedna Douro White is dry, voluminous and it has a balanced acidity with very nice and persistent ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 10º and 12ºC.
Suggestions
Sedna Douro White is an ideal choice to go with strong fish plates.
III – QUINTA DO VALLADO WINES
In the heart of the Douro region, a few miles from the historical centre of Régua, Quinta do Vallado spreads along both banks of the Corgo River, right where it meets the Douro. With references dating back to 1716, the Quinta belonged to the legendary D. Antónia Adelaide Ferreira and has remained in the family ever since. It is now in its sixth generation.
Part of the 38 ha vineyards are still young, aged between 6 and 10 years old. But the best plots, about 26 ha with more than 60 years old, largely compensates for it. João Ferreira Álvares Ribeiro, Francisco Ferreira and Francisco Olazabal have already reached very high quality levels, recognized by international experts like the Wine Spectator magazine.
QUINTA DO VALLADO DOURO RED RESERVEAppellation: Douro Reserves
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 14%
Origin of the blend
70% old vineyards (more than 20 grape varieties all mixed); 27% from 15 years old vines of Touriga Nacional and 3% of Sousão.
Varieties
Old vineyards: Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca and others. New vineyards: Touriga Nacional and Sousão.
Vinification
The grapes from the old vineyards (over 80 years old) were vinified in stainless steel, temperature controlled; remontage vats, holding up to 5.000 kilos of grapes each. The chosen parcels of the 16 hectares of the old vineyards at Quinta do Vallado were vinified separately, the fermentation lasting an average of 8 to 20 days. The grapes from the younger vineyards of Sousão were foot trodden in lagares and fermented in the lagares for 6 days.
Ageing
The wines from the old vineyards were then stored in stainless steel tanks for the duration of the malolactic fermentation and were afterwards racked to 225 litres new French Allier Oak casks. The wines from new vineyards were immediately stored in similar 225 litres casks of new French oak where they underwent the malolactic fermentation and, after a first racking, were aged until the final blending.
Aroma
Very concentrated, with balsamic oak notes, fig and black plum aromas, tobacco.
Notes of taste
Full bodied, firm, mature and silky tannins. Mineral notes and a very elegant, persistent and complex ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 16º and 20ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
It is a wonderful and perfect choice to go with hunting or game plates and strong cheeses.
QUINTA DO VALLADO DOURO WHITE RESERVE
Appellation: Douro Reserves
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 12,5%
Varieties
Rabigato, Verdelho or Gouveio and Viosinho.
Vinification
Fermented in 225 litres French Oak casks from different forests: Allier, Vosges and Nevers. 70% in new casks, and the rest in one year old casks.
Ageing
Aged for 10 months in French oak casks, with periodical batonnage.
Aroma
Mineral notes on the nose, well integrated with oak.
Notes of taste
Full bodied, with excellent acidity, good complexity and with a persistent ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 10º and 12ºC.
Suggestions
This wine is an ideal choice to go with strong fish plates.
QUINTA DO VALLADO DOURO REDAppellation: Douro
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13,5%
Varieties
Touriga Nacional (25%), Touriga Franca (20%), Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca and Sousão.
Vinification
The grapes from the younger vineyards (8 to 12 year old) contributed with 70% of the final blend. The remaining 30% came from the very old parts of the vineyards (over 70 years old). The great majority of the wines, both from the old as from the newer vineyards, were fermented in 10.000 kg stainless steel tanks for a week. A small part of the grapes from the old vineyards were foot trodden and fermented in lagares for the same period. All wines were fermented under controlled temperature varying between 26º and 28ºC. The finest of the press wine, from a traditional basket press, was also used for ageing for the final blend.
Ageing
85% aged for 17 months in stainless steel tanks. The remaining 15% aged in 225 litres French Allier Oak casks for 12 months until final blending.
Aroma
Very concentrated, with intense mature red fruit aromas, hints of violets and esteva (a local Portuguese resinous bush).
Notes of taste
Taste: Great structure, full bodied, matured round tannins, with a long persistent ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 16º and 18ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed.
Suggestions
It is an ideal choice to go with Mediterranean plates, as well as traditional Portuguese gastronomy.
QUINTA DO VALLADO DOURO WHITE
Appellation: Douro
Sub region: Upper Corgo
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 13,0%
Varieties
Rabigato, Verdelho, Viosinho and Arinto.
Vinification
The grapes of the different grape varieties were all fermented after a very soft pressing in our modern presses. The fermentation lasted for nearly one month at temperatures varying between 16º and 18ºC.
Ageing
About 85% of the wines were aged in stainless steel tanks before the final blending and bottling. The remaining 15% was aged in new French Oak 225 litres casks for the same period.
Aroma
Melon notes on the nose, well integrated with a spicy floral aroma.
Notes of taste
Persistent dry fruit notes, full, well balanced flavour.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 10º and 12ºC.
Suggestions
This wine is an ideal choice to go with strong fish plates.
IV – BURMESTER DOURO WHITEIn 1730, Henry Burmester and John Nash founded Burmester & Nash in London, a cereal trading company. They moved to Vila Nova de Gaia and in 1750 began shipping port wine to the British Isles and the rest of Europe. The family name originates from the German word 'Burgmeester', meaning 'mayor' - as the family came from the small north Germany city of Moelln. The firm was dissolved at the end of the 18th century, when Henry Burmester Jr. and his two sons, Fredrick and Edward, set up a new port wine company, H.Burmester & Sons. In the end of the millennium, Amorim Group acquires BURMESTER being recently acquired by Sogevinus SGPS, S. A. Group.
Appellation: Douro
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 13,0%
Varieties
Malvasia Fina, Gouveio and Ribagato.
Vinification
The grapes of the different grape varieties were all fermented after a very soft pressing in our modern presses. The fermentation lasted for nearly one month at temperatures varying between 16º and 18ºC.
Colour
Golden green colour.
Aroma
It presents an intense aroma of tropical fruits and smooth floral notes, ensuring an unforgettable experience on a sunny and balmy summer afternoon.
Notes of taste
In the mouth it has hints of fruits, good acidity balanced with persistent ending.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 10º and 12ºC.
Suggestions
This wine is an ideal choice to go with the most delicate fish and sea food plates.
V – QUINTA DO CRASTOQuinta do Crasto is located on the right bank of the river Douro, halfway between Régua and Pinhão. Like other great Douro quintas, its origins lie in ancient times (the name CRASTO comes from the Latin word castrum, a Roman fort). References to Quinta do Crasto date as far back as the early seventeenth century, long before the Douro became the world’s first demarcated wine region in 1756.
In fact, the first known references to Quinta do Crasto date back to 1615, and at the time of the Marquês de Pombal the quinta was included in the first “Feitoria” (which restricted port production to an area demarcated by granite markets), alongside the most important quintas in the Douro region. One of these markers called “marco pombalino” dated from 1758, can still be seen at the Quinta.
In the early 1900s, Quinta do Crasto was purchased by Constantino de Almeida, the founder of the famous Constantino Port house. After his death in 1923, his son Fernando de Almeida continued to run the Quinta and to produce the highest quality Port wines (1927 Vintage is still in the cellar).
In 1981, Leonor Roquette (daughter of Fernando de Almeida) and her husband Jorge Roquette assumed a majority stake and management control over the estate, and with the help of their sons, Miguel and Tomás, initiated the process of remodelling and expanding the vineyards, and the project of producing top table wines for which Quinta do Crasto has won a world-wide reputation.
Large investments were made over the last years to restructure the vineyards and install modern winery equipment, guaranteeing the production of high quality table wines, such as Crasto Douro Red, Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vines, single variety wines.
QUINTA DO CRASTO DOURO DOC RED WINE
Appellation: Douro
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 14,0%
Varieties
Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional.
Vinification
Grapes are hand picked in small plastic craters. Pumping over with hand plunging in temperature controlled fermentation tanks. Each variety is vinified separately. Wine was bottled with only a slight filtration.
Ageing
The wines were aged in stainless steel vats and in American and French oak casks, for 12 months.
Evolution
The wines average age is between 16 to 20 years. Therefore, they are ready to be consumed.
Aroma
Quinta do Crasto's Douro Red is a fresh, fruity wine which is accessible at an early age combining the character of the fruit with hints of spice.
Notes of taste
The palate is rich and vibrant well supported by soft tannins and balanced acidity.
Recommendations
It should be served at between 16º and 20ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
It is a wonderful and perfect choice to go with hunting or game plates, roasted meats and strong cheeses.
VI – RAMOS PINTO WINES … a tale of seduction…Founded by Adriano Ramos Pinto in 1880, Casa Ramos Pinto rapidly became noted, at the time, for its innovative and enterprising strategy. Associated with quality bottled wines, it began operating on the Brazilian market in the early 20th century and quickly became responsible for half of the wine exported to South America, whilst it was still conquering generations of loyal customers in Portugal and Europe. These were the natural results of a forward thinking strategy, based on the modernisation of selection, batching and ageing circuits, and the special care which Adriano Ramos Pinto devoted to the packaging and promotion of his wines.
The Ramos Pinto wines have therefore become a reference of quality. Aware that the quality of its wines were confined to the earth of the wine producing Douro, Casa Ramos Pinto meticulously studied this Demarcated Region, and eventually became the owners of a number of estates with very special characteristics. The objective was to ensure the control and quality of the whole production process. By perfecting its wines, Ramos Pinto created unique nectars with its own signature. In 1990, Casa Ramos Pinto became part of the Roederer Group, whose history has identical characteristics. The qualities that gave fame to Casa Ramos Pinto now took on an international dimension.
DUAS QUINTAS RED
Quinta de Ervamoira is located in the heart of the Douro, in schist soil and at low altitude. The grapes are grown in a hot, dry climate, allowing for deep maturation. In granite soil, at a higher altitude, we find Quinta dos Bons Ares where the grapes mature in fresh, windy weather that gives them freshness and vivacity.
It was careful tasting that made it possible to join "Duas Quintas" in a unique, fruity, strong and complex wine. Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional are the varieties used to produce this wine.
Appellation: Douro
Sub region: Douro Superior
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: %
Varieties
Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional.
Vinification
Its vinification was made vineyard-by-vineyard and variety-by-variety.
Ageing
After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for six months in new oak casks. It is then bottled at Bons Ares, where it matures for another two years.
Colour
Lovely red ruby colour, alive and healthy, splendid menisque, deep colour.
Aroma
Floral, intense and fruity. Such a pretty nose, with strawberry, blackberry and a hint of vanilla.
Notes of taste
Spicy and delicious wine with deep and powerful fruit. The finish is long and velvety.
Recommendations
Open the bottle one hour before serving. It should be served at room temperature, between 15ºto 20ºC.
Suggestions
It matches with all types of meat and game - especially with garlic dishes.
DUAS QUINTAS RED RESERVEIt is a meticulous selection of the best vintage grapes from Quinta de Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bons Ares that is used to produce this wine. Its vinification was made vineyard-by-vineyard and variety-by-variety. Duas Quintas Reserva is blended mainly from Touriga Nacional grapes, with a small proportion of Tinta Barroca. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for six months in new oak casks. It is then bottled at Bons Ares, where it matures for another two years.
Appellation: Douro
Sub region: Douro Superior
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: %
Varieties
Duas Quintas Reserva is blended mainly from Touriga Nacional grapes, with a small proportion of Tinta Barroca.
Vinification
Its vinification was made vineyard-by-vineyard and variety-by-variety.
Ageing
After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for six months in new oak casks. It is then bottled at Bons Ares, where it matures for another two years.
Colour
Intense red, with plum and cherry reflects. Very well involved with splendid meniscus.
Aroma
Intense and expressive. It is resinous, spicy and with well mature red fruit aromas, pepper, mulberry involved by a vanilla touch result of a successful stage in wood.
Notes of taste
Fine attack, limpid and deeply intense. From the beginning, we can feel the mature fruit, very sweet and tasty. A good acidity gives it a good balance on the mouth. Excellent harmony between the fruit and the tannins.
Recommendations
Open the bottle one hour before serving. It should be served at room temperature, between 15ºto 20ºC.
Suggestions
It matches very well with game and particularly well with sausages and garlic dishes.
BONS ARES RED WINE
The Quinta dos Bons Ares, a property which dates back to Roman times, as confirmed by the archaeological remains found at this site, was bought by Casa Ramos Pinto in 1985 with a view to setting up a vinification centre.
The Quinta dos Bons Ares was chosen due to a number of decisive factors: the high altitude which makes the climate milder in the Summer and therefore more appropriate for the storing and settling of the wines, its proximity to the Quinta de Ervamoira and the production of more acidic and fresher grapes than those produced in the other quinta, which are riper and more highly concentrated, all of which make an extraordinary blend.
The Quinta dos Bons Ares is located in the Douro region, sub-region of the Upper Douro, in the parish of Touça, at an altitude of 600 metres. It has a total surface area of 50 ha, 20 ha of which are occupied by vines.
Most of the varieties produced at Bons Ares are Viozinho with 35%, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon with 30%, Riesling with 10%, Merlot with 10% and Touriga Nacional with 15%.
Appellation: Regional Wine of Trás-os-Montes
Sub region: Douro Superior
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: %
Varieties
Touriga Nacional (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) were the varieties used to create this wine at Quinta dos Bons Ares that confers it the category of Regional wine.
Vinification
Classical methods of fermentation, with controlled temperature, were employed.
Ageing
The wine matured six months in young oak barrels.
Evolution
It can be enjoyed immediately, but it will benefit from ageing a few years in bottle.
Colour
Lovely red colour, not too opaque, with reddish aureole.
Aroma
Intense, deep, complex and elegant, velvety and very structured. We can note wild aromas like blackberry and some spice notes.
Notes of taste
Bodied and round. It is a fresh and involving wine, with some fruit notes as cherry, plum, and it's well supported by smooth and velvety tannins. Harmonious, well structured with good potential.
Recommendations
You'll profit more from the wine if the bottle is open one hour before serving and then decanted.
Suggestions
It matches well with meet, but specially game.
BONS ARES WHITE WINEThe altitude and granite soil of Quinta dos Bons Ares give the wine an amazing acidity and freshness that, together with the fruit, grant it an extremely elegant finish.
Appellation: Regional Wine of Trás-os-Montes
Sub region: Douro Superior
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: %
Varieties
This wine was produced at Quinta dos Bons Ares, the grape varieties used being Viozinho and Sauvignon Blanc.
Vinification
Pelicular maceration was the vinification technique employed. Part of the mixture was fermented in inox vats with controlled temperature, while the other part was fermented in young oak wood.
Colour
Green lemon, with soft yellow nuances. Good intensity and perfect limpidity.
Aroma
It presents a strong, expressive and personalised aroma. At the beginning, the fruit sensation is evident, followed by some floral aromas that confers it a remarkable freshness and harmony.
Notes of taste
Very fresh, fruited and aromatic. A slight acidy confers it freshness accompanied by a flavour of matured fruit, very elegant and a long finishing.
Recommendations
It should be served cool (10 to 12ºC) and open just before serving.
Suggestions
Salads, seafood and some fishplates.
VII – PRATS & SYMINGTON WINESThe
Symington family have been producing Port since 1882 and own some of the finest Port Companies: Warre, Dow, Graham and Quinta do Vesuvio, all specialising in Vintage Ports. Bruno Prats is a leading Bordeaux winemaker and former owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel. He continues to produce wine in Chile. In 1998, the two families resolved to embark on a project to make a top class red wine in the Douro. Both families were convinced that the Douro was capable of producing a red wine of great distinction.
CHRYSEIA WINE
Chryseia 2005 was made from a rigorous selection of grapes from Quinta da Vila Velha, Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Perdiz. From a very thorough initial triage, of the 200,000 kg of grapes vinified, a mere 25,000 litres were classified for Chryseia 2005. This was the smallest selection to date that corresponds to 30,500 bottles. 34,000 bottles of Post Scriptum, the second wine, were also bottled.
2005 was an extraordinarily hot year. A dry 2004 Autumn was followed by a Winter with hardly any rain, and Summer was extremely hot and equally dry. The characteristic schistous soils found in the Douro once again proved to be a very important ally to the vines, providing them with water in the midst of a period of prolonged drought. This phenomenon illustrates the Portuguese saying "há chuva que seca e sol que rega" (there is rain that dries and sun that irrigates). The extreme heat and drought accelerated the ripening of the grapes in the Douro. The Touriga Nacional at Quinta da Vila Velha was picked at the very early date of the 6th September. The rain that came as a true blessing on the 7th September allowed for perfect ripening and the rest of the Vintage proceeded in ideal harvest conditions between the 12th September and 1st of October.
Due to the particular weather conditions we decided to favour the Touriga Nacional that represents 70% of the final blend, the rest being made up of Touriga Franca and a little Tinta Roriz.
Appellation: Douro
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro DOC
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13%
Varieties
Chryseia is made from Touriga Nacional, a low yielding variety of great complexity and finesse, and Touriga Franca (was Touriga Francesa) which is more tannic. Also used are Tinta Roriz, known as Tinto del País (Tempranillo) in Ribera del Duero, and Tinto Cão, a variety with a most attractive aroma.
Microclimates vary significantly in the Douro. Each variety has been chosen from the vineyard where it grows best.
Vinification
The different varieties are hand-picked at their optimum maturity and are vinified separately in a dedicated winemaking facility within the Symington family's ultra-modern Quinta do Sol winery in the Douro.
A Bordeaux-trained oenologist, Stephane Point, based in the Douro, oversees the vinification process and barrel development of the wines.
Ageing
The wine aged in French oak barrels of 400 litres.
Colour
Deep intense colour, very young.
Aroma
A floral and very delicate nose with subtle hints of vanilla and cherries.
Notes of taste
Extremely fresh on the palate with very well integrated tannins. Lovely smooth, balanced and fruity finish. Very harmonious and elegant. A complete wine.
Recommendations
Open the bottle one hour before serving. It should be served at room temperature, between 15ºto 20ºC.
Suggestions
It is a wonderful and perfect choice to go with strong plates full of personality, such as black pig, hare and pheasant, and also meats with garlic sauce.
VIII – COIMBRA DE MATTOS WINES
QUINTA DOS MATTOS – TINTA RORIZ RESERVE
Appellation: Douro DOC Reserve
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13,65%
Variety
Tinta Roriz (Aragonês) 100%.
Vinification
The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats with temperature control.
Ageing
The wine staged for 10 months in oak casks.
Colour
Closed ruby colour.
Aroma
Intense aroma reflecting the variety with notes of sweetie wild berries fruits and slightly smoked.
Notes of taste
Well structured, with strong tannins but not aggressive ones, and in the mouth is very persistent.
Recommendations
It should be served at 18ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
This wine is excellent by itself or with any full flavoured dishes, such us game, red meats and spicy food.
QUINTA DOS MATTOS – TOURIGA FRANCA RESERVE
Appellation: Douro DOC Reserve
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13,65%
Variety
Tinta Franca 100%.
Vinification
The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats with temperature control.
Ageing
The wine staged for 10 months in oak casks.
Colour
Black.
Aroma
Ripe black berries aroma enriched with complexes nuances of cacao and slightly smoked.
Notes of taste
Well structured, without being aggressive. Smooth and creamy in the mouth with notes of coffee and an excellent persistency in the end with fruit.
Recommendations
It should be served at 18ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
This wine is especially appropriate to accompany grilled and roast meat plates, as well as velvet cheeses, and pastas.
QUINTA DOS MATTOS – TINTA RORIZ AND TOURIGA FRANCA RESERVE
Appellation: Douro DOC
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13,54%
Variety
Tinta Roriz (Aragonês) and Touriga Franca.
Vinification
The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats with temperature control.
Ageing
The wine staged for 10 months in oak casks.
Evolution
The quality improves during the first 6 to 8 years. This is being recommended maximum storage time.
Colour
Closed ruby.
Aroma
Complex, intense and rich aroma, where the notes of sweetie wild berries fruits and slightly smoked from the Tinta Roriz blends perfectly well with ripe black berries aroma with complexes nuances of cacao from the Touriga Franca variety.
Notes of taste
Full-bodied wine with strong but smoothed tannins that give him a pronounced voluptuousity and a long end.
Recommendations
It should be served at 18ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
To be served with the best international food and cheeses.
QUINTA DOS MATTOS – SELECTED HARVEST
Appellation: Douro DOC
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13,35%
Variety
Tinta Roriz (Aragonês), Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional.
Vinification
The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats with temperature control.
Ageing
The wine staged in oak casks.
Evolution
The quality improves during the first 8 years. This is being recommended maximum storage time.
Colour
Grenat.
Aroma
It has an intense aroma of red berries blended with some ripe fruit.
Notes of taste
This wine is full-bodied, with strong but smoothed tannins, leaving in the mouth the good fruit taste.
Recommendations
It should be served at 18ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
To be served with the best international food and cheeses.
QUINTA DA LACEIRA – RED WINE
Appellation: Douro DOC
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: red
Alcohol: 13,10%
Variety
Tinta Roriz 100%.
Vinification
In leaching vats with auto-vinificators and temperature control.
Ageing
The wine staged stainless steel vats and in oak casks.
Colour
Closed ruby.
Aroma
Red berries aroma with a note of gooseberry, It has the complexity of being staged in wood barriques.
Notes of taste
Full-bodied with velvet and balanced tannins and a natural flat acidity. Long and persistent end with the variety fruit being left in the palate.
Recommendations
It should be served at 18ºC. The bottle should be opened twenty to thirty minutes before being assessed. Its decantation is recommended, as well as the use of a Bordeaux model type glass.
Suggestions
This wine is excellent by itself or with any full flavoured dishes, such us game, red meats and spicy food.
QUINTA DA LACEIRA – SELECTED HARVEST WHITE WINE
Appellation: Douro DOC
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 13,35%
Variety
Verdelho, Malvasia Fina and Rabigato.
Vinification
Classical system of "bica aberta" (fermented without the skins) with static decanting of the must at 10ºC, followed by fermentation at controlled temperature.
Ageing
This wine staged in stainless steel Inox vats.
Colour
Light citrus with greenish glows.
Aroma
A fruity aroma with intense notes of tropical fruits.
Notes of taste
Medium bodied with a perfect acidity, who gives an excellent freshness and a pleasant and fruity persistent end of tasting.
Recommendations
It should be served at 10ºC.
Suggestions
Especially appropriate to accompany boiled or roast fish cooked with spicy sauces, cod and roasted or grilled meats.
IX – EBORAE VITIS E VINUS
AUSTER WHITE WINE
Appellation: Douro DOC
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 14,50%
Variety
Ribagato, Gouveio and, Malvasia Fina.
Vinification
A well kept secret…
Colour
Light citrus with yellow shadows. Perfect limpidity.
Aroma
The initial impact is very attractive, shows a scent where the mineral notes are overcome by the tropical fruits ones and some jam. Intense, expressive and personalised, which ensures an unforgettable experience on a sunny and balmy summer afternoon.
Notes of taste
In the mouth appears structured and soft, without fail to show fresh and engaging. The fruit presence and freshness from beginning turns it very pleasant. It is a soft and round wine.
Recommendations
It should be served cool (10 to 12ºC) and open just before serving.
Suggestions
With the most exquisite and delicate salads, shellfish and some fish plates.
X – REAL COMPANHIA VELHA
In 2006 Real Companhia Velha celebrated 250 years of existence and uninterrupted activity on behalf of the Porto Wine trade. Behind, there is a fabulous history and a glorious past. For the future there is the continuous commitment for quality and the confidence of a well established company with the vigour and the vision to make further history.
Since its foundation by Royal Charter of King Dom José in 1756, many Kings have reigned in Portugal and the importance of Real Companhia Velha is well demonstrated through the numerous services to the community and the support of the majestic privileges granted by Queen D. Maria I, King D. João IV, Queen D. Maria II and King D. Pedro. For more than one century, between 1756 and 1865, Real Companhia Velha played such an important role in the Porto industry, as regulatory body, as well as trade promoter, that it can be said, the history of the Company is almost the History of Porto.
On the 7th December 1865 by Royal Decree of King Regent Dom Fernando who declared free the exports through the Porto Harbour of all wines produced in Portugal, the company lost its majestic privileges and became a public company trading in the open Porto market continuing to develop the reputation of its name all over the world.
EVEL WHITE WINE
Evel is the leading Douro Brand in Portugal. Its’ white wines are produced in the famous vineyards of Real Companhia Velha, at Quinta do Casal da Granja located in the Alijó district. Quinta do Casal da Granja produces the finest white grapes in the region whose blends provide the distinctive flavour and character of Evel wines.
Appellation: Douro DOC
Sub region:
Demarcated Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Type: white
Alcohol: 13,30%
Variety
Malvasia Fina, Donzelinho, Gouveio and Moscatel.
Vinification
Up to date winemaking practices adapted from the New and the Old World.
Colour
Evel has beautiful straw colour.
Aroma
Very complex with intense floral and white fruit aromas.
Notes of taste
On the palate this medium bodied wine is presented with a good balancing acidity and flavours of peaches and melon.
Recommendations
Should be served between 8ºC and 10ºC.
Suggestions
Evel is a perfect accompaniment to white meats, chicken and pork. Excellent with fish, being lobster the most elegant accompaniment.
XI – THE NEW DOURO TASTING
QUINTA DA TERRA FEITA – POEIRA WINES
Jorge Moreira’s Poeria has already been covered in depth on wine anorak, but here I had a chance to try the first three vintages side-by-side. 2001 is fantastic and will age very well; after an initial flourish it’s beginning to close down. 2002 is a bit tougher, will probably live longest of the three, and despite the tricky vintage is a very serious wine, 2003 is the most approachable and will be the one to drink first.
POEIRA 2004
Dense, spicy and full on the nose. Taut and quite complex. Rich with lovely fruit, but still fresh and elegant, with good acidity.
The palate shows great concentration and structure with some smooth but very firm tannin. Slightly earthy, minerally undercurrent and good acidity. Elegant with fantastic potential. Excellent 95/100.
