Trans Douro Express "Cima Corgo" Douro Tinto '19

A few years ago, winemaker Mateus Nicolau de Almeida started a very special project with the introduction of the Trans Douro Express wines. He created three wines under the label, each from a different subregion of the Douro. The goal has always been to show the climatic differences of the three subregions. To that end, each bottling is composed of the same blend and made by the same method of vinification, and the only difference is in location. Mateus refers to this line as “climate” wines.

The Almeida family is synonymous with Portuguese wine. They ran the famous port house Ramos Pinto for an extended period of time, and they encouraged official recognition of the three major subregions of the Douro Valley through their own research and development. The family has also been essential to the vitality of Portuguese winemaking.

Cima Corgo, one of the three main regions of the Douro, is located in the heart of the valley, on steep banks, near the Douro River. The climate here is almost Mediterranean, with vineyards full of schist soils. This is a field blend of various native grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Sousão, and Tinta Amarela. Exact percentages are unknown, as the vines are interspersed in the vineyards, then harvested and cofermented (traditional foot stomping of the grapes takes place), and finished with aging in concrete for 8 months. Beautiful layers of floral tones are a highlight alongside subtle spice and herbal notes. Juicy, fleshy dark fruit rounds out the palate, with bright acidity with plush tannins that aren't overbearing.