Quinta do Vallado Douro Superior Tinto Single Bottle

Country: Portugal Region: Douro

Varietal: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Sousão,

Vintage: 2020 Colour: Red Style: Full Bodied

PRODUCER: Quinta do Vallado

Quinta do Vallado, established in 1716, is one of the oldest and most famous estates in the Douro Valley. It is located on the banks of the Corgo River, a tributary of the Douro River, right next to its mouth and close to the town of Peso da Régua. It belonged to the legendary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira and remains to this day in the hands of her descendants.

Douro Superior on the label means this is from the hotter, drier part of the Douro valley, heading east towards the Spanish border, where the wines tend to be richer, more structured, and more intense than those from further downriver. That's certainly the case here. Made mostly from Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, the fruit comes from Quinta do Orgal, Vallado's organic vineyard, and spends 16 months maturing in French oak barrels before bottling. Deep in colour and packed with intense aromas, it combines the florality of Touriga Nacional with hints of exotic fruit. There's plenty to sink your teeth into - wild red berries, a little spice, silky tannins, and an elegant finish. A fine example of what this part of the Douro has to offer made by one the most respected producers.

TASTING NOTES
Rich and structured, this is a great match for grilled lamb chops, roast beef, or slow-cooked pork shoulder. Smoky and spiced flavours work well too - think barbecued ribs or a paprika-rubbed roast lamb.