Dow's Vintage Port 2022
€ 71.00
This wine is a perfect exponent of the year as defined by our head winemaker, Charles Symington with its perfumed, floral aromas and exquisite purity of fruit. This Senhora da Ribeira gifts a sublime fragrance of roses and secondary notes of orange blossom. The lithe, sinewy fruit suggests kirsch and traces of strawberry pierced by streaks of piquant acidity that provide lifted freshness. The wine is seductive, graceful, and irresistibly charming.
Food-Pairing
A delicious digestive, but can also be accompanied by rich old cheeses, dark chocolate or chocolate mousse.
Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Sousao & others
Senhora da Ribeira (The Lady of the River) is named after the small chapel which has stood for centuries next to an ancient river crossing guarded by two castles, one on either bank. Five generations of Symingtons have produced wine at Senhora da Ribeira and unsurprisingly we have a special affinity for this far-flung corner of the Douro. Older generations remember that there was no road access until well into the 20th century, and the adventurous journey from Porto took place by train to the Vesúvio station on the opposite bank, followed by a boat trip across the river.
All the Senhora da Ribeira wines are produced at the property’s specialist on-site winery where small batches of grapes are trodden and fermented in modern lagares.
The Quinta is situated in the remote, hot, dry Douro Superior sub-region and commands a magnificent position on the north bank, overlooking a broad sweep of the Douro River. The schist soils, challenging conditions, and high proportion of old vines result in very low yields – amongst the lowest of any wine- producing region on earth. Yields can be as low as 500g per vine and are rarely above 1 kg.
The late ripening Touriga Franca, which thrives in abundant sunshine, is particularly suited to the southern orientation and is a key component of the Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Ports. The finest Touriga Franca parcels are found in the Pedreira vineyards, surrounding the house and winery and descending to the river.
The other essential part of Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Ports is Touriga Nacional. The best Touriga Nacional parcels are in the Vinha Grande, planted in two swathes behind the house, rising to 400 metres. Not as resilient as the Franca, the Touriga Nacional benefits from this cooler east-facing aspect and the higher altitude. This is crucial in delivering the acidity that gives Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Ports their freshness, balance and staying power.
Alcoholcontent
20%
Store & Serve
Serve at cellar temperature at 12 - 15ºC.
Decant before serving. Can be kept for up to 2 days after opening.
Critics & Awards
Producer: Dow's
Region: Douro