Ottawa, ON
May 2021
Matt’s review:
Quinta Vale D. Maria 2017 is a wonderful expression of premium Douro wine that showcases the greatness achievable from their unique single vineyard field blend of 41 (mainly indigenous) varietals. That’s right, a blend of 41 varietals, including Tinta Amarela, Rufete, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, and many others, all from their estate vineyards in the heart of Douro.
Quinta Vale D. Maria’s terraced vineyards are planted with (average) 60+ year old old vines that cover the steep hills of this beautiful estate in the heart of Douro. With countless aspects on the seemingly endless terraces, every inch of the vineyard gets its fair share of sunlight throughout the day and benefits from significant diurnal variation enabling ripening whilst retaining great freshness which is immediately evident when you taste it.
2017 Quinta Vale D. Maria, at 15.5% abv, shows impressive freshness and elegance for such a big wine. 2017 was hot and dry, making the vines work extra hard and the quality of the fruit outstanding in terms of complexity and balance – the result in bottle is a super complex, expressive, harmonious, powerful yet elegant wine that is showing great now and will continue to evolve over the next couple decades. Deep ruby red, it shows ripe field berries, blackberry pie, plum, Rockrose, bacon, and graphite. An impressive contrast of power and elegance, highlighting the harmony those 41 varietals produce from their old vines. Quinta Vale D. Maria pairs perfectly with with braised beef dishes as well as game birds, such as roast grouse with blackberries and Port jus. Enjoy 2021-2036+. Tasted May 2021. 94 points.
Quercus Vino 
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