Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the 2018 Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Rufo Douro (Douro, Portugal) – $18.99, regularly $22.99.
Located in the heart of the Douro region where the river flows into Northern Portugal, in Cima Corgo in the Vale do Rio Torto, the first records of Quinta Vale D. Maria date back to 1868. The history of Quinta Vale D. Maria winemaking begins in 1996 in the hands of Cristiano van Zeller, when he buys the property from the family of his wife, Joana Lemos van Zeller.
Since then, with a lot of dedication and passion, Quinta Vale D. Maria has garnered a reputation nationally and internationally for its excellence. Its fine wines and ports show a deep respect for the region and for the legacy of Cristiano van Zeller.
Traditionally during the harvest, the drum marked the rythm of the arrival of the grapes in the winery. Rufo (drum in Portuguese) is the conductor of the procession, the instrument that indicates the way for those who follow.
An easy blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, the wine is full of black fruits (blackberry, blueberry and mullberry) and soft tannins finishing with minerality. Try with grilled meats.
2018 Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Rufo Douro (Douro, Portugal) – $18.99 (regularly $22.99)