The vineyards where the famous Port Wine is produced are the same ones where table wines of great potential are also produced: the “Douro“. However, before the creation of the Douro Controlled Denomination of Origin (Denominação de Origem Controlada, DOC), the so-called still wines or wines for consumption had little prominence and were somewhat devalued, with rare exceptions such as the mythical Barca Velha or Confradeiro.

It was on the basis of the renowned excellence of Port Wines and the potential for the production of still wines of the predominant grape varieties, that the region saw the Douro Denomination of Origin created and regulated in 1982.

After 2 decades, the most demanding specialists and critics are beginning to discover and attesting the wines high personality and quality properties. Douro Doc wines have become fashionable among oenophiles with dozens of awards and recognitions among the best wines in the world.

In White Douro Doc wines it is possible to find freshness, with fruity and floral fragrances, of great aromatic intensity. These should be consumed young and at temperatures between 8º and 10ºC. There are also whites with aging potential (usually called Reserva or Grande Reserva), which are aged in wood and can be kept in there for a few years. They are full-bodied wines, persistent on the palate, with complex tropical fruit and almond aromas that must be consumed at temperatures around 12ºC.

The Douro Doc red wines are often young, ruby colored wines, with aromas of cherry and raspberry, ready to be consumed from the moment they are bottled. They should be served between 13º and 15 ºC.

The Douro Region is, however, very suitable for red wines with potential for ageing (“vinhos de guarda”, usually called Reserva or Grand Reserve). They are wines with great structure, persistent tannins, good depth of color, complex and intense aromas. When consumed young, these wines have black fruit, chocolate, violet and notes of wood aromas. After a few years they become softer, with more delicate and subtle but complex aromas. The ideal temperature to drink them will be between 16 and 18ºC.

The Douro Doc Rose has been gaining more and more fans, following the trend of consumption worldwide. They are produced from a light maceration of red grapes, which gives them a beautiful pink color and exuberant aromas of raspberry, cherry and candy. Inside the mouth, they fill our palate with their smoothness, sweetness and acidity being ideal to accompany Asiatic dishes. They should be consumed young and between 10º and 12ºC.

Douro has become a mandatory destination for all oenophiles and is today one of the great wine regions of the world that you have to visit at least once in your life.

Discover the best of the Douro region and delight yourself with its wine heritage.