Let's talk little, let's talk wine
This tawny, with an average age of forty years, comes from Quinta do Vallado, a historic Douro property whose origins date back to 1716 and which has remained in the hands of the descendants of Dona Antónia Ferreira. The estate occupies the banks of the Corgo, a tributary of the Douro, close to Peso da Régua. Its vines cling to schist terraces between 70 and 400 metres above sea level and include some ten hectares of old vines planted between the 1920s and 1950s, guardians of local tradition.
The grapes come from old vineyards where Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and other Douro varieties grow together. As with all Port, fermentation is stopped by the addition of grape spirit to retain the fruit's natural sweetness. This tawny then blends several wines with an average age of forty years, all patiently aged in very old 600-litre oak casks. Over the decades, slow oxidation and natural concentration shape a wine of great depth.
This wine reveals notes of blond tobacco, dried fig, fruitcake, walnut, toasted almond, orange peel, caramel and honey. The very intense, complex nose blends tobacco with dried fruit and a balsamic touch. The palate is highly concentrated, superbly structured, velvety and held by lively acidity that balances the sweetness. The finish seems never to end, on roasted dried fruit.
Where are we traveling?
The Douro
The Douro region, in northern Portugal, is the birthplace of Port. It takes its name from the Douro River, which flows from east to west from the Spanish border to Porto, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Although the Douro is best known for its Ports, the region also has a growing reputation for the excellence of its red and white wines. The wines of the Douro Valley are among the finest in the world, yet they are not very well known. Not only does the Douro Valley produce some of the best Portuguese wines, affordable and underrated, it also offers a magnificent, magical landscape. The wine-growing area covers the steep slopes along the banks of the river's lower course, one of the longest rivers on the Iberian Peninsula. From its source in northern Spain, where it is known as the Duero, it flows through the famous vineyards of Ribera del Duero before reaching the Portuguese border and becoming the Douro. From there, it crosses the landscape, creating a unique and historic wine region before joining the ocean at Porto. The most unifying feature of the Douro is its mountainous relief, although the region covers a wide range of terroirs with different aspects, altitudes and soil types. However, the vineyards generally stretch across the steep, dry slopes on either side of the river and its countless tributaries, on narrow rocky terraces - a sight that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (an honour for the region).
The little history of the country
Portugal
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.