what to taste

The grapes

The Douro is rich in indigenous grapes, with more than 110 varieties. Among them are five outstanding reds with distinct personalities: the deep-coloured Touriga Nacional, which is powerful and structured; fruity and perfumed Touriga Franca; robust and sweet Tinta Barroca; Tinta Roriz which is elegant and longlasting; and Tinto Cão, known for its spicy and concentrated properties. Although there is no Douro without Port wines, today’s experts recognise that the region offers ideal conditions for the production of the highest quality wines. Local producers offer impressive reds – some of the most intense and complex in Portugal – while the white wines are surprisingly delicious, especially if they are made from grapes grown in higher, cooler areas

Raposeira Reserve

BRUT ESPUMANTE

Founded over 120 years ago, Caves da Raposeira now is a leading sparkling wine producer in Douro. They create wines in the traditional Champagne method, ageing in the cellars for more than two years. This Reserve Brut comes from the Malvasia Fina, Cerceal and Gouveio Real grape varieties, presenting a slightly citrine colour with fine delicate bubbles.

Fresh on the nose, it has discreet fruity aromas of lime, green apple and pear, accompanied by more mineral and floral notes, and in the mouth, the good acidity and low sugar level make for a distinctly dry taste.

Endowed with fruity aromas and a persistent palate, it is ideal as an aperitif or digestive. Also a fabulous accompaniment to roast meat dishes. garrafinhas.pt

PATA D’URSO RED

The story of the origin of the name ‘Pata d’Urso’ (Bear Paw in English) is charming. It is said that there were bears on the territory until the 18th century, when bear hunting was a privilege only of a few. The hunter had to pay the charge, giving one or two paws of the bear to the landowner, because the paw was considered a delicacy of the Gods.

The grapes come from the old vineyards of Quinta da Furada, in Ervedosa do Douro. On the palate, there is a lovely bouquet of red fruits and jams, mixed with a touch of coffee and dried figs, while in the mouth it is full-bodied, but silky with a velvety finish that lasts several minutes.

This wine goes well with roasts, wild and red meats. vinha.pt

Piano Douro Muscat Reserve

Founded in 1985, Carlos Alonso Douro Wine Company is an independent family business, located in Alijó in the centre of the Douro region. Piano, the Moscatel wine that blends tradition and innovation, is produced with 100% Moscatel Galego Branco grape. It has a beautiful golden-yellow colour and presents a very intense aroma on the nose, dominated by the noble oxidation of ageing in wood. The notes of orange jam and floral notes characteristic of the grape variety stand out. In the mouth, it is a wine with a good balance between acidity and sweetness, full-bodied and with good structure, with a long and delicate persistent finish. With its 17% alcohol content, this wine is ideal as an elegant aperitif (served cold) but goes very well with appetizers, pâtés, or rich desserts. portugalvineyards.com

Quinta Da Extrema Edi O Ii Red

On the eastern edge of the Douro Wine Region, close to the border with Spain, among the breathtaking landscapes of the International Park, there is an estate with 150 hectares of high vineyards – Colinas do Douro, where respect for the land and the wisdom of men has created a portfolio of elegant, fresh mineral wines.

This multi-awarded, deep purple-coloured red wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes, aged in French oak barrels for 24 months.

The nose presents good floral and fruity notes, accompanied by soft spices, sweet cedar and toasted cereal nuances. In the mouth, it is concentrated and juicy, with broad tannins and a velvety texture.

The wine goes well with white meats, roasts and strong cheeses. portugalvineyards.com

VENTURE UP INTO THE MOUNTAIN RANGE OF THE SERRA DE MONCHIQUE AND YOU’LL FIND ITS BEAUTIFUL SPA TOWN, HOME TO ROOMS WITH A VIEW BELONGING TO THE CHARMING VILAFOIA