2020 Vale Do Bomfim Douro Red

This wine is from the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal, from the House of Dow’s, renowned for their premium ports (although this is not a port).

The Douro region of Portugal is one of the world’s oldest wine regions. The home of port, the region was established in 1756. The vineyards of the Douro are set on the slopes surrounding the Douro River and are incredibly steep, necessitating the use of terracing and thus, manual vineyard management as well as harvesting.

While more than 100 indigenous varieties are approved for wine production in the Douro, there are five primary grapes that make up most Port and the region’s excellent, though less known, red table wines. Touriga Nacional is the finest of these, prized for its deep color, tannins and floral aromatics. Tinta Roriz (known in Spain and elsewhere as Tempranillo) adds bright acidity and red fruit flavors. Touriga Franca shows great persistence of fruit and Tinta Barroca helps round out the blend with its supple texture. Tinta Cão, a fine but low-yielding variety, is now rarely planted but still highly valued for its ability to produce excellent, complex wines.

This Vale Do Bomfim Douro Red was initially made for family and friends of the Symingtons (fifth generation owners of Dow’s). After repeated compliments from everyone who tasted the wine the family decided to release the blend commercially.

The 2020 Vale Do Bomfim DOC Douro Red is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz, 20% Touriga Franca, and 10% Tinta Barroca. The grapes are sourced from Dow’s vineyards of Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. The two vineyards are located 15 miles apart. The climate at Quinta do Bomfim is neither too wet nor too hot, while the climate at Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira is drier in winter and hotter in summer.

In 2020 the temperatures across the region were higher than average and the rainfall was below average. Consequently yields were low but the grapes were of good quality. These grapes were sorted, de-stemmed and gently crushed. Then the fermentation process for each individual grape varietal was monitored and controlled to bring out the best qualities of that varietal. The blended wine was then aged in oak for six months before being bottled.

Winemaker’s notes describe the wine thus: “Aromas of bright red cherry with a violet floral undertone. The palate brings in blackberry fruit with a black pepper spice. All balanced by fresh acidity and medium tannins.”

Pair this wine with hearty dishes and cheeses or simply enjoy it on its own next to the fireplace by the first fires of fall.