The 2018/2019 harvest was particularly unusual: extremely dry but exceptionally hot. Thus, the vines were able to withstand summer stress despite the lack of soil water reserves. As the heat did not appear until the end of August and the beginning of September, there was no loss of production by scalding or dehydration. The harvest began in early September and continued until October 10. The fact that the year was cool allowed slow maturation. In this way, it was possible to choose the ideal time for the harvest of each vineyard plot, creating excellent quality DOC Douro vintage 2019 wines.
Origin of the grapes: Produced mainly from Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and other varieties, grown on the slopes of Vale do Rio Sabor and Vale do Douro, in the Douro Superior sub-region. The vines are between 20 and 35 years old.
Vinification and ageing: In Quinta Vale do Sabor, in stainless steel vats for 7 to 12 days, at a controlled temperature between 22ºC and 27ºC. Aging in French oak barrels of 2nd and 3rd year for 6 months. Followed by aging in stainless steel vats for the remaining 13 months.
Quantities: March 2021, in 48,000 75cl bottles.
Winemakers: Cristiano van Zeller / Manuel Soares
Tasting Notes: The Vale D. Maria Douro Superior has a brilliant and lively ruby color. The typical red fruits of the Superior Douro are incredibly present on the nose, where the aromas of blackberries, strawberries and black cherries stand out, making this wine very complex and intense. The vanilla notes combine perfectly to enhance the velvety texture of this wine which slowly ends with a long and deeply fresh finish. Ideal to accompany meat dishes, or roast cod in the oven.
Analyse Technique
Vignerons
