Overview
The revolution in Douro table wines began with Barca Velha (first released 1952) and accelerated with Niepoort's Redoma and Charme. Ancient indigenous varieties on schist terraces produce dry reds of startling complexity — Portugal's answer to great Burgundy.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium garnet
- Nose
- Dark plum, Blackberry, Fig, Slate and Herbs.
- Palate
- Portugal's greatest dry red — schist minerality, ancient vine intensity. Generally full-bodied, medium acidity, firm tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Full4/5
Tannins Firm4/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol High4/5
Grapes
Touriga NacionalTouriga FrancaTinta RorizTinta Amarela
Aromas And Notes
Dark plumBlackberryFigDried cherrySlateHerbsDark chocolateVioletLeatherEarthCoffeeTobacco
Terroir
Extreme continental — upper Douro, hottest and most arid. Ancient ungrafted vines survive.
SchistGraniteSlate
Food Pairings
Bacalhau (salt cod)Roast suckling pigMigasAged Serpa cheese
Notable Producers
- Quinta do Crasto, founded 1615 - Crasto Superior
- Niepoort, founded 1842 - Charme
- Ramos Pinto, founded 1880 - Adriano Ramos Pinto