Sino da Romaneira 2020

Nestled on the right bank of the Douro River, the Sino da Romaneira vineyard belongs to the vast Quinta da Romaneira estate, one of the oldest in the valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vines climb steep terraces above the river, on typical schist soils that promote deep root systems and slow ripening of the grapes. Facing predominantly south and southwest, the vineyard benefits from a warm, dry climate, tempered by the Douro's influence, providing ideal conditions for Portugal's indigenous red grape varieties.

The grapes are hand-harvested on the steep slopes of the Douro Valley, then carefully sorted before being destemmed. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit and the expression of the indigenous grape varieties. Extractions are carefully controlled to obtain an elegant structure and fine tannins. Aging then occurs in tanks and barrels, allowing the texture to be refined and the aromatic profile to be harmonized while preserving the freshness and typical character of the estate.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , fresh red fruit , and floral hints of violet , enhanced by spicy nuances of pepper and licorice , as well as delicate woody accents of cedar and vanilla . On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, supported by fine tannins and well-integrated acidity , offering a velvety texture and a long, harmonious finish that highlights the elegant character of the Douro.

Portugal's rich history is inextricably linked to its wines, especially its most famous, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still very much alive in modern Portugal. A wonderful holiday in the heart of this country, where Port wines originated, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside, and of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portuguese table wine had already been in high demand since the mid-17th century, primarily by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to the wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began investing in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro region in terms of developing modern-style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved winemaking techniques, and the modernization of the industry are yielding interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous grape varieties (though some are unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for the past two decades. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now bearing fruit, and the new breed of wines, brimming with terroir and fruit, is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's indigenous grape varieties have become its strength. This is good news for those seeking a change from the ubiquitous international grape-based wines. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, east to west, from mountainous to coastal vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from crisp, dry whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.