Quinta de Porrais Douro Tinto '17

This is the flagship red wine of the Porrais estate, once owned by one of the Douro Valley’s most iconic 19th-century figures, Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (also known by the name Ferreirinha). While she is known to have once owned the most land in the Douro Valley, and was one of Portugal’s wealthiest people, what’s more significant is how she uplifted the people of the Douro. She was an advocate for worker’s rights, a champion for the poor, and a role model for women given her importance in what is still a male-dominated business. Quinta de Porrais was one of the roughly 20 estates that Ferreirinha owned at the time of her death in 1896. This magnificent quinta is located in the northern hills of the Cima Corgo region in the Douro. Much of the estate’s vineyard land sits at high elevation, making it ideal for the production of fresh and mineral-driven wines. While Quinta de Porrais is not owned by the family anymore, Ferreirinha’s great-great-great-grandson “Xito” Olazabal still makes the wines today.

The Quinta de Porrais Tinto is a blend of the indigenous Portuguese varieties Sousão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is then aged for nine months in used French oak barrels. The 2017 Tinto offers pretty aromas of plums, blackberries, and baking spices. It is full bodied yet well balanced, with soft tannins and a bright, juicy finish. A versatile wine at the table, we like this with braised short ribs, or even on its own.