Vinha da Francisca, located in the renowned Quinta Vale D. Maria, is a jewel of Douro viticulture. This year, this vineyard celebrates 20 years of history, standing out as an example of innovation and tradition in the heart of the Douro Valley. The celebration of this milestone offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Vinha da Francisca’s journey and the lasting impact it has had on the production of high-quality wines.
The history of Vinha da Francisca
Twenty years ago, the Francisca vineyard was just a field of promise. The first seedlings were carefully planted, bringing with them the seed of a vision that would become this story. Next to the older vines, a young vineyard sprouts.
Francisca’s vineyard was planned to continue the legacy of the old vines that surround it, from the selection of the planting site to the choice of grape varieties. The Francisca vineyard does not combine an immense number of grape varieties but has only 5 in its DNA – those that, in Quinta Vale D. Maria’s view, reflect a unique and elegant profile in the Douro: Tinta Francisca, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Rufete and Sousão. With a striking personality, this vineyard proves that virtue lies not only in age, but also in youth, where it expresses the best values and qualities of its origin with firmness and conviction.
Characteristics and Terroir
Located in the Douro Valley, Vinha da Francisca benefits from an exceptional terroir. The region’s schist soils, combined with the hot, dry climate, provide ideal conditions for growing vines. The steep slopes and sun exposure favor the slow and complete ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with great concentration and aromatic complexity.
The diversity of grape varieties planted at Vinha da Francisca allows to produce balanced, richly nuanced wines. Each grape variety contributes its own specific characteristics, such as the aromatic intensity of Touriga Nacional, the structure and deep color of Sousão, and the elegance and freshness of Rufete.
Exceptional wines
Since its first harvest, Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca wines have received recognition from critics and consumers alike. Having already been awarded Wine of the Year at the Portuguese Wine Competition twice, Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca is a blend that captures the essence of the Douro terroir, presenting an impressive harmony between fruit, acidity and tannins. It’s a structured wine, with notes of stone minerals such as schist, some dark chocolate, amid aromas of ripe red fruits such as black cherries. It’s a very elegant wine on the palate, linear, fresh and with great balance.
In addition, sustainable viticulture methods and careful winemaking practices ensure that each bottle is a faithful reflection of the terroir and the passion behind its creation.
Celebrating 20 Years
In 2024, Quinta Vale D. Maria celebrated the 20th anniversary of Vinha da Francisca with a special event at MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) in Lisbon, which was attended by a number of special guests, including clients, national wine critics and the granddaughters of Maria Helena van Zeller Guedes, the link between the van Zeller and Guedes families. The celebration was a time to share many stories, not only from various vintages of Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca, but also from the Guedes family, who have owned the Quinta and the brand since 2017.
The Future of Francisca’s Vineyard
Looking to the future, the viticulture and oenology team that manages Quinta Vale D. Maria remains committed to innovation and sustainability. Plans to expand ecological practices and introduce new winemaking technologies are underway, always with the aim of preserving the exceptional quality of the wines and the health of the terroir.
Vinha da Francisca will remain a symbol of dedication and passion, inspiring future generations to continue the tradition of excellence at Quinta Vale D. Maria. With an already impressive legacy and a promising future, this vineyard will continue to be a pillar of high-quality wine production in the Douro.
