Region and Vineyards
The Douro Valley, one of Portugal's most storied wine regions, is the birthplace of the Wine & Soul Pintas Port. This region is distinguished by its rugged landscape, intense sunlight, and dramatic terraces etched into the mountainsides, allowing vines to thrive despite challenging conditions. The valley's unique microclimate features extreme temperature variations that intensify the ripeness and concentration of the grapes. Schist-rich soils dominate this area, renowned for promoting deep root systems that enhance the vineyard’s resilience and mineral complexity.
The Pintas Vineyard lies on the southern-facing terraces of the Douro at an elevation of 825 feet, providing an ideal environment for cultivating premium grapes. Originally planted in 1930 and cultivated through traditional bush vine training, this vineyard maintains a low yield of about 1.2 tons per acre. With a modest size of 5 acres, the vineyard includes approximately 2,400 vines per acre and contributes to a deeply concentrated and expressive port.
Winemaking
The 2011 Pintas Port is crafted from a field blend that includes over 30 indigenous Douro grape varieties, showcasing a cross-section of the region’s viticultural diversity. All grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before fermentation begins in traditional granite lagares. During the five-day fermentation process, the grapes are foot-trodden, an age-old Douro practice that ensures thorough maceration and precise tannin extraction. After the addition of brandy, which halts fermentation and preserves natural sweetness, the wine is ready for aging.
Aging takes place in 40-year-old Portuguese oak barrels for 19 months, allowing the wine to develop complexity and finesse without overpowering oak influence. The oak imparts subtle structure and refinement, complementing the wine’s bold character. This lengthy maturation period results in a port that is richly layered and primed for long-term aging, encapsulating the unique expression of the 2011 vintage.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, dense purple with vibrant ruby highlights.
- Aroma: A compelling bouquet of dark plum, blackberry, and mint chocolate, underscored by hints of licorice and dried herbs.
- Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated, with velvety tannins that envelop flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and a touch of pepper. The finish is long and well-balanced, promising years of aging potential.
Did you know?
This 2011 vintage was among the earliest productions in the Wine & Soul portfolio, founded in 2001 by Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges. The wine showcases their dedication to reviving old vineyards and preserving traditional methods, resulting in a vintage that has garnered international acclaim for its depth and authenticity.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Venison with Juniper and Blackberry Sauce: The intense dark fruit and earthy tones in the wine echo the venison's flavors and complement the herbaceous juniper and berry sauce.
- Aged Manchego Cheese: The nutty, slightly salty character of Manchego enhances the port's dark fruit and chocolate notes, creating a harmonious contrast.
- Roasted Duck with Red Currant Glaze: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of duck, while its fruitiness complements the red currant glaze for a beautifully balanced pairing.
- Dark Chocolate Fondant: The wine’s chocolate and mint tones resonate with the fondant’s richness, making for a classic port pairing that highlights both dessert and wine.
