2022 Vale Do Bomfim Douro White

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.

White wines from this region are generally crisp, mineral-driven blends of Arinto, Viosinho, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, and an assortment of other rare local varieties.

This Vale Do Bomfim Douro White is a recent release from Dow’s following the commercial success of their red blend.

The 2022 Vale Do Bomfim DOC Douro White is a blend of 30% Viosinho, 30% Rabigato, 20% Gouveio, and 20% Arinto. The grapes are sourced from Dow’s higher-altitude vineyards where lower overall temperatures and cooler nights help these white varietals mature evenly.

In 2022 the weather was the hottest and driest ever recorded in the history of the Douro region. Despite the harsh conditions the vines and vineyards did not show evidence of stress. Harvest began in late August and September brought cooler temperatures easing the strain on the vines and allowing the fruit to mature more.

After the grapes were crushed, fermentation was in stainless steel vats at temperatures of around 61 degrees Fahrenheit. As the wine fermented, contact with oxygen was minimized to preserve aromas as much as possible.

Winemaker’s notes: “Exuberant fruity aromas of apricot, peach and pineapple with some subtle honeysuckle fragrance in the background. On the palate, the wine offers up zesty, crisp fruit flavors with lively freshness and saline minerality.”

Pair this wine with seafood, poultry, mature hard cheese, mild soft cheese, appetizers and snacks.