Winter 2019/2020 was very positive in the Douro Region, because the water levels in the soil were able to restore. However, the month of February was warmer than average, which caused an early sprouting and required some adjustments right at the beginning of the cycle. The beginning of spring brought all fears of the pandemic and the first confinement in Portugal. Associated with the already difficult management of the agricultural year, a major adaptation was necessary. The mild spring allowed an excellent development of the vines. In July, conditions changed, and we live one of the hottest months of July on record. It was a challenge for the vines, where, in grape varieties such as Tinta Barroca, there were solar scalds. In mid-August, temperatures dropped and there was some precipitation, which allowed the end of maturation to develop with some comfort.
The harvest started in Douro Superior, on 12th August with white grape varieties. In Cima Corgo, the harvest started with white grape varieties, on 31st August.
Grape origin:
Planted on the slopes of the Rio Sabor Valley, the grapes that make up the Douro Superior red 2020 come from Quinta Vale do Sabor, in the Douro Superior, and their vines are between 20 and 35 years old.
Vinification and ageing:
After the manual harvest, at Quinta Vale do Sabor, the grapes are destemmed. Half of the batch is trodden in granite lagares and subsequently fermented in stainless steel vats. The remaining batch is fully fermented in stainless steel vats for 10 to 15 days at controlled temperatures between 22ºC and 27ºC. After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine ages for 14 months in French oak barrels, from 2 to 5 years.
Tasting notes:
The Vale D. Maria Douro Superior red 2020 has an intense ruby color. The typical red fruits of the Douro Superior are incredibly present on the nose, where the aromas of the black fruit, such as blackberries and cherries, from Touriga Franca stand out, making this wine very complex and intense. Also dominated by the notes of and light floral notes of Touriga Nacional. The vanilla notes combine perfectly to enhance the velvety texture of this wine. This is a wine with a good structure and density, with firm and polished tannins, very long in the finish.
This is a classic Douro Superior, ideal to accompany a cheese board, roasted cod or red meat or game dishes.
Technical Analysis
Winemakers
