Douro Valley - Wines
Vintage Port
Vintage Port is the most prestigious style of Port wine, produced only in exceptional years when the quality of the harvest is at its peak. Made from a blend of the finest grapes from a single vintage, it is aged for two to three years in barrels before being bottled unfiltered. Vintage Ports are known for their deep, concentrated flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and spices. These wines are designed to age for decades, developing complexity and elegance over time. They are considered the pinnacle of the Douro’s winemaking tradition.
LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Port
LBV, or Late Bottled Vintage, is a type of Port wine that is made from a single vintage but aged in barrels for four to six years before being bottled. It offers a more accessible alternative to Vintage Port, with rich flavors of dark fruits, plums, and licorice. LBV Ports are ready to drink upon release but can still be aged for several years. They are often enjoyed with desserts or cheese, offering a balance between fruitiness and structure that makes them versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Reserva Red
Reserva Red wines from the Douro Valley are some of the most expressive and age-worthy table wines in Portugal. Made from a blend of indigenous grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, these wines are rich, full-bodied, and complex. They typically offer flavors of blackberries, cherries, spices, and earthy undertones. Reserva Reds are aged in oak barrels, which adds depth and tannic structure, making them ideal for pairing with hearty dishes like grilled meats and stews.
Colheita Port
Colheita Port is a type of Tawny Port made from a single vintage and aged for at least seven years in oak barrels. These wines have a golden-brown color and exhibit flavors of dried fruits, nuts, caramel, and spices. The long aging process imparts a smooth, silky texture and complex layers of flavor. Colheita Ports are highly regarded for their balance between sweetness and acidity, making them an excellent choice for pairing with desserts like almond tarts or crème brûlée.
White Port
White Port is a lesser-known style of Port made from indigenous white grape varieties such as Malvasia Fina and Gouveio. These wines can range from dry to sweet and are often aged in barrels for several years, developing nutty and citrusy flavors. White Port is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif, either served chilled on its own or mixed with tonic water and a slice of lemon to create a refreshing Portonic cocktail. It’s a versatile and aromatic wine that adds a unique dimension to the Douro Valley’s wine offerings.
Touriga Nacional Red
Touriga Nacional is the flagship grape of the Douro Valley, known for producing deeply colored and aromatic red wines. These single-varietal wines showcase intense flavors of blackberries, violets, and spices, with firm tannins and a full-bodied structure. Touriga Nacional is often blended with other varieties in Douro wines, but when bottled on its own, it delivers a powerful expression of the region’s terroir. These wines are ideal for aging, allowing their complexity and depth to evolve over time.