Quinta do Vallado Douro Superior 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Douro Superior, the easternmost subregion of the Douro Valley, is characterized by its extreme climate and dramatic landscapes. Known for its hot, dry summers and cold winters, this area allows for the production of concentrated and expressive wines.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from Quinta do Orgal, a vineyard certified as organic. The vines are cultivated along steep terraces with schist soils, which retain heat and reflect it back to the vines, promoting optimal ripening. The Douro River nearby moderates temperatures, ensuring freshness and balance in the fruit. These conditions contribute to the bold, aromatic character of the wine.

Winemaking

Each grape variety is vinified separately at Quinta do Vallado’s state-of-the-art facility. The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, with controlled temperatures and regular remontage (pump-overs) to enhance extraction.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for 16 months in used French oak barrels, allowing the tannins to soften and the wine to develop complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The organic certification of the vineyards ensures sustainable practices, respecting both the environment and the purity of the grapes.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with vibrant hues.
• Aroma: Intense and exuberant, combining floral notes of Touriga Nacional with hints of exotic fruits and wild berries.
• Palate: Silky and concentrated tannins with flavors of wild fruits, complemented by a fresh and slightly citrusy finish.

Did You Know?

Quinta do Orgal, the source of the grapes for this wine, is a completely organic vineyard. It reflects Quinta do Vallado’s commitment to environmentally friendly viticulture, making this wine a symbol of sustainable winemaking in the Douro.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast duck with cherry glaze: The wine’s fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with the richness of duck and the sweet-tart glaze.
• Beef bourguignon: Its structure and tannins complement the savory depth of the dish.
• Grilled eggplant with za’atar: The earthy flavors and slight smokiness of the eggplant harmonize with the wine’s freshness.
• Aged cheddar or Gruyère: The wine’s bold fruit and silky tannins balance the richness and saltiness of these cheeses.

Tradition

Quinta do Vallado, established in 1716, is one of the oldest and most famous "Quintas" in the Douro Valley.

It once belonged to the legendary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, and still belongs to her descendants. It lies on both banks of the Corgo River, a tributary of the Douro River, near its mouth, close to the town of Peso da Régua.

For almost 200 years, Quinta do Vallado´s main activity was the production of Porto wines that were commercialized by the Ferreira Port House (belonging to the Ferreira family).

Following Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira´s great achievement, her Great grand-son Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, and his son Jorge Cabral Ferreira were the main architects of the further development of the Quinta´s vineyards and winery.

Modern Times

Moving from the centuries-old tradition of selling the farm´s production to the Ferreira Portwine House, in 1993, under the direction of Guilherme Álvares Ribeiro and his wife Maria Antónia Ferreira, the company decided to extend the business towards the production, bottling and marketing of own-label wines.

Also in 1993 under the guidance of Prof. Nuno Magalhães, a deep restructuring of the vineyards was started, with the objective of increasing the production of high quality grape varieties.

These new vineyards were planted with the best varieties in single plots, breaking with the old tradition of planting many different varieties in the same vineyard.

The homogenization of treatment, ripening and picking times made for a clear improvement in processes and translated into a much more regular, easy to control and economically effective quality production.

With 50 ha of vineyards aged from 6 to 15 years and having kept 20 ha of the best old plots, more than 80 years old, Quinta do Vallado, and it's executives João Ferreira Álvares Ribeiro, Francisco Ferreira (head of agricultural management) and Francisco Olazabal (oenologist), all descendants of Dona Antónia, has achieved national and international acclaimed levels of quality and recognition.

The construction of the new winery and barriques cellar, started in 2008 and concluded in the fall of 2009, combines state of the art technology with a high quality architecture project, making it one of the places to visit in the Douro valley.