Magnificent splendor in the Douro Valley? You must be thinking of Quinta do Vesuvio, a drop-dead gorgeous estate found 75 miles east of Porto and a mere 30 miles from the Spanish border in what is known as Douro Superior. In fact, the estate is often referred to as the “Queen of the Douro” thanks to its elegance and grandeur during its 200 year old history.
Photo Credit: Quinta do Vesuvio
With a history dating from 1565, the property and landscape have been the home of viticulture since 1823, after a planting of 150 hectares of vineyards and the construction of its winery in 1827. By all accounts, Quinta do Vesuvio is lauded as one of the very best in the Douro and after tasting two wines (sent as samples), I now understand why.
Quinta do Vesuvio is the largest Symington family property at over 800 acres upon its acquisition by the family in 1989. With mountainous terrain as far as the eye can see, altitudes from 400-1500 feet, extreme climate, and scant rainfall provide the foundation for the production of superior Port wines and Douro DOC wines from varieties that thrive in these conditions. Tradition is alive and well, too. Quinta do Vesuvio is the last major property in the region to produce its Vintage Ports exclusively using the traditional method of treading grapes by foot in granite lagares. Apart from two years during the pandemic, this iconic tradition has been ongoing since the cellar was built in 1827.
Ahhh, the two deliciously approachable wines are from the 2022 vintage, one of the hottest and driest vintages ever recorded in the Douro. However, the level of quality in both of these wines reflects the terroir’s “resilience and adaptability to harsh conditions.”
Pombal DO Vesuvio DOC Douro 2022 ($32), a blend of 65% Touriga Nacional, 32.5% Touriga Franca and 2.5% Tinta Amarela, is aged for 9 months in French oak barrels of 400 and 225 liters. Balanced, aromas of red fruit compote, bramble, and earth were savory and enticing. On the fresh and elegant palate profile, ripe fruit flavors, vibrant acidity and firm tannins led to a lingering and very satisfying finish. The lovely label portrays the ancient dovecote (“pombal” in the Portuguese language) on the estate around which the major component of the blend, Touriga Nacional is cultivated.
If you’ve already traveled to the Douro, surely you have noticed the train stations that are part of the Valley’s rich heritage. On the label of Comboio DO Vesuvio DOC Douro 2022 ($25), the station at Quinta do Vesuvio, in operation since 1887, is depicted. When the Symington family made the decision to produce this estate red wine, “it felt only natural to evoke the propitious coexistence between railway and vineyard.” A blend of 45% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinta Roriz, and 10% Tinta Barroca is unoaked in order to punctuate its youthful, fruit forward profile. On the nose, I found savory notes of rich and ripe red fruit leading to flavors of herbs and crushed red berries on a foundation of moderate acidity and tannic structure. Comboio DO Vesuvio DOC Douro 2022 is read to enjoy now, but has the ability to age through 2027.
Intrigued to visit the estate? I certainly am! For the first time ever, Quinta do Vesuvio is offering a private day visit for curious guests who would like to indulge in a full immersion of its history with a private guide. Included are opportunities to explore the stunning house and chapel, step into the granite lagares in which foot treading occurs, and tour the vineyards found on the estate’s mountainous seven hills. Of course, tasting wine is a must and at the conclusion of the visit, guests will enjoy swirling and sipping a number of selections paired with a traditional Douro lunch on the home’s terrace. Guaranteed are sweeping vistas that will are unforgettable!
Photo Credit: Quinta do Vesuvio
For the time being (and while you are booking your flight to Portugal), open the above mentioned wines and discover the grandeur of Quinta do Vesuvio.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
