Text João Pedro de Carvalho | Translation Bruno Ferreira

The Quinta Vale Dona Maria is a very old estate in the heart of the Douro Demarcated Region. Although the red was born with the 1997 harvest, the first white only emerged recently. It all began at a dinner after debating on how to adapt agricultural practices in order to achieve better environmental conditions in Vale D. Maria for the Alectoris rufa’s (scientific name for red partridge) population growth. In the midst of all the rambling, one thing got agreed which was that Rufo (red in Latin) would be a good brand name for a red Douro wine. It also means drumbeat, which announces and sets the entrance pace for the Vale D. Maria’s wine range. More recently, Rufo would come to have its white version in the market.

Cristiano van Zeller, Sandra Tavares da Silva and Joana Pinhão are the ones in charge of the winemaking here. Allow me to tell you that all their wines deserve a natural highlight, but this time I want to focus all attention on the only white, so far, that was produced with the seal Quinta Vale D. Maria.

The grapes for this Rufo colheita 2013 white were sourced from Sobreda and Candedo (Murça). The vineyards are at high altitude (600m) to bestow acidity and freshness to the wines. The choice fell on to a blend of Códega de larinho (50%) and Rabigato (50%). While the first grape variety (Códega do Larinho) gives it some tropicality, the latter (Rabigato) provides the necessary natural acidity. A whole that aged for 9 months in stainless steel until being released to the market.

A welcoming white with beautiful fruity aromas reminding citrus, white flesh fruits, a soft tropical in a quite pleasant whole with a minerality touch in the background. In the mouth it shows elegance and freshness, good intensity and a slight vegetal touch combined with the fruit’s natural sweetness which bring it to a somewhat dry finish, ideal for tidbits, salads and varied entrees based of cold meat or smoked salmon.

Contacts
Quinta Vale D. Maria
Sarzedinho
5130-113 S. João da Pesqueira
PORTUGAL
Tel: (+351) 223 744 320
Fax: (+351) 223 744 322
E-mail: francisca@vanzellersandco.com , cvanzeller@mail.telepac.pt , joanavanzeller@vanzellersandco.com
Site: www.quintavaledonamaria.com