2022 Mary Taylor ‘Filipe Ferreira’ Douro, Portugal
Regular price $17.00
Unit price per
60% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 15% Touriga Franca
The Douro wine region takes its name from the Douro River, flowing from its source in north-central Spain (under the name Duero) across northern Portugal to its outlet at Porto, on the Atlantic Coast. Known as the vinhateiro, this glorious winegrowing region was the first in the world to have a formal demarcation (under the 1756 Portuguese charter protecting Port wine)and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. The Douro River valley vinhateiro is sheltered from Atlantic winds by the Marão and Montemuro mountains and has a hot, continental climate with hot dry summers and cold winters.
Quinta da Foz is located at the junction of the Douro River and its tributary, the Pinhão, in the Cima Corgo subregion. Their vineyards have steep terraces cut into the schist riverbanks, where vine roots seek out the pockets of moisture in the foliated sheets of schist, bringing a great minerality to the final wine. Their small, 20 hectare property is classified by the IVDP (Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto), who gives this Quinta an A-rating for its choice terroir. All grapes are hand harvested and wines are foot pressed in large granite lagares.
Fresh red fruits, black tea, and soil on the nose. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and very elegant for a Douro based on Touriga Nacional, with a lovely core of fruit. Nice grip, ripe tannins and a long, well balanced and tangy young finish.