Quinta Vale D. Maria Tinto

Description

Quinta Vale D. Maria A field blend of 41 different varieties—including Rufete, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Francisca, Sousão, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and other classic Douro grapes—taken from the original 15 hectares of old‑vine plots. With more than 60 years of age and exposures to the south, southeast, southwest, north and west, these vines give rise to the estate’s first and most emblematic wine, Vinhas Velhas, a celebration of the Douro’s very best. The genius of this vineyard lies in the unique combination of the 41 varieties, which begins in the soil, continues through the baskets, and culminates in the press after careful selection. This process makes Vinhas Velhas a singular wine, a “recipe” that only nature itself can craft. Vinification: the vineyard is divided into plots, harvested by hand. Grapes are selected before the cellar, destemmed, and partially crushed before pressing, where they are foot‑pushed in the press. In stainless‑steel tanks, manual remontages are carried out. The wines are then transferred to stainless‑steel or 225‑liter French oak barrels from various cooperages, where malolactic fermentation occurs. Each lot is aged for 20 months in barrels, kept separate until the final blend, about a month before bottling. Enologists: Diogo Campilho, Rui Viana, Valérie Lavigne Pairings: Ideal with sophisticated dishes that accentuate its elegant structure and fruity concentration—grilled or roasted red meats, game, hard‑curd cheeses, and intense risottos such as wild‑mushroom or truffle. These combinations highlight its balanced acidity and remarkable persistence. Prizes 94 / 100 – James Suckling 93 / 100 – Revista de Vinhos 93 / 100 – Wine Enthusiast