Douro

In the beautiful wine region located on the banks of the Douro, recognized by UNESCO as world heritage, excellent wines are produced, including the famous port wine. But the Douro valley is no longer known only for its port, because since Douro achieved its DOC status in 1982, the demand for Douro's unfortified wine has grown so much that it now makes up about 50% of the region's production.

The first non-fortified wine dates back to 1952, when it was produced by the Ferreira winery, which they called Barca Velha. Douro wines became even more popular in the decades that followed, sparking an explosion in vineyard production in the Douro Superior sub-region.

There is a wine that is immediately characteristic of the Douro region, namely port or also called porto, the ambassador of Portuguese wines and named after the port from which this wine is shipped.

In contrast to the long history of the DOC Porto, it is not until 1982 that DOC Douro is set up in the same area for excellent red and white wines. Bordeaux wine drinkers are guaranteed to have their taste here.

The vineyards in the Douro valley have been laid out in terraces because of the steep slopes. They give the landscape its spectacular appearance. The soil consists mainly of slate, which is hard, but also breaks easily. Moreover, this rock often splits underground in vertical layers. The vines can therefore root deep in the soil and the moisture can penetrate deeply.

The Douro is divided into three main areas. Baixo Corgo is the westernmost area and here the simpler Ruby and Tawny ports come from. Cima Corgo lies further inland and is the heart of the port area. This area has the most suitable climate. Here the grapes grow where the most beautiful Vintage and Late Bottled Vintage ports are made. Douro Superior at the Spanish border is the largest area, but is the least used for wine growing.

Trial Pack: 10 red wines from the Douro for a total of € 100

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