My Portuguese Wine Guide: Part 2, the Douro Valley

Parallel lines: today the Douro Valley’s production is split pretty evenly between Port and Douro table wine.

Following on from last month’s Guide to Vinho Verde, today I’ve posted the second of my free online Portuguese Wine Guides, covering the Douro Valley.  Incidentally, should you like to experience a live not virtual visit of these dynamic regions, why not join my Blend All About Wine tour this June? It’s going to be very special indeed.

Quinta do Vesuvio’s seven hills rise from 106 to 462m above sea level

The nose to tail possibilities of the Douro Valley are endlessly exciting thanks to its multi-faceted terrain, more innovation in the last 25 years than during its entire 250 year history, plus a seemingly inexhaustible supply of new winemaking talent.

My picks from the Douro’s burgeoning table wine scene – latest releases in April’s Decanter magazine

Small wonder David Guimaraens calls it “the New World of the Old World;” I reckon it produces Portugal’s starriest and most consistent wines.

Phwoar blimey – Cockburn’s legendary 1908 Vintage Port still in cracking form – my report of Cockburn’s Bicentenary Tasting here.

In my nutshell Guide to the Douro Valley (fortifieds and table wines) you’ll find my take on what makes the region tick in terms of climate, soils, grape varieties and producers. You’ll also find producer recommendations.

New World/Old World lagares – human and robotic foot treaders side by side at Quinta do Seixo

I hope you find it useful and please do stay tuned because there are more regional guides to come.  What’s more, I’ll be regularly reviewing them to add exciting new finds and snippets of information.  On which note, members of the trade and press shouldn’t miss this Thursday’s New Douro tasting.  With a VIP cast of producers showcasing their latest releases, it’s one of my highlights of the tasting calendar.