NERVIR’s challenge Soul Wines invited six importers from Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands for a four-day journey throughout the Douro valley over the past week of June. With sunny days, lush inexperienced vineyards and temperatures above 30℃, the group loved a improbable alternative to go to and style the wines from 9 producers: Coimbra de Mattos, Ceyra Wines, Bulas Wines, Quinta dos Lagares, Quinta dos Avidagos, Adega de Favaios, Quinta da Rede, Quinta do Mourão and Aneto Wines.
The wineries confirmed the complete breadth of their manufacturing with kinds starting from nonetheless dry whites, rosés and reds, to sparklings, dessert wines and Ports, highlighting not solely the standard of Douro’s wines, but in addition the variety discovered within the area.
Key components contribute to the varied and excessive profile of Douro’s wines, specifically the area’s mountainous panorama and the wealth of conventional grape varieties. The dramatic topography permits for vines to be planted at completely different altitudes and with completely different exposures, thus influencing the sugar stage and fragrant profile of the fruit and ensuing wine. It is not uncommon to search out the white grape varieties planted at increased altitudes (above 500 metres), the place they finest retain freshness, acidity and minerality, and the purple varieties at decrease altitudes (beneath 500 metres) the place they finest develop deep fruit and clean tannins.
Friends at Bulas Wines
Hidden jewel – Douro’s desk wines
Whereas single-varietal nonetheless dry wines are additionally made within the Douro, most are attention-grabbing blends of the area’s quite a few indigenous varieties. Among the many reds, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca characteristic as the principle varieties in full-bodied, sturdy wines with intense purple and again fruit aromas and excellent ageing potential. The whites, in the meantime, are usually poised and medium to full-bodied, with elegant floral and citrus notes and mineral spine. Among the many distinguished varieties are Viosinho, Rabigato, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina and Moscatel Galego, in blends whose complexity is usually underscored by way of oak.
Crown jewel – Port wine
Portugal’s most well-known wine export, Port wine is produced by interrupting alcoholic fermentation by way of fortification to between 19% and 22% ABV with ‘aguardente’ (grape spirit). Totally different kinds are decided by distinct sweetness ranges and ageing processes, shaping an enchanting array that goes from deep purple to mild golden nectars.
Quinta do Mourão
The Ruby model, aged for a brief interval and bottled younger, is made to retain the deep purple color and freshness of fruit. Tawnies, alternatively, made by partially mixing wines aged in cask, have a beautiful complexity of tertiary aromas and an enchanting tawny color, to which the model owes its title.
White Ports are additionally gaining recognition, amongst sommeliers and bartenders alike, who see their potential both drunk by itself or in cocktails. From recent, lightly-fruited examples to honeyed, nutty examples, White Ports are positively one of many kinds to hunt out.
On the ultimate day of their journey, company praised the worth of the expertise:
‘I nonetheless can not consider what number of superb visits we’ve had and all the stunning individuals we’ve met.’
Carlijn Kleine (Wijnpand, Netherlands)
‘I discovered loads, skilled the flexibility of the wines from the Douro area and loved it immensely!’
Jonna Cupido (Okhuysen, Netherlands)
‘Such an attention-grabbing week with prime quality wine producers and enjoyable, beautiful individuals!’
Christel Bruynseels (Landolium, Belgium)
‘An incredible journey. I’m now excited to help the producers in coming into the Canadian market.’
Charles Steven Trenholme (CS Trenholme & Associates, Canada)
Extra occasions, promoted by NERVIR throughout the scope of the Soul Wines – Douro Portugal challenge, to be introduced quickly!
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