Vale D. Maria "Vinhas do Sabor" Douro Tinto '20

Longtime shoppers of Perman Wine Selections will instantly recognize the name of Vale D. Maria. Years ago, I introduced you to the wines of Cristiano Van Zeller and his daughter Francisca. Founded in 1996, their amazing estate located in the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro Valley became one of the most well known names in Portugal. Part of this was due to the Van Zeller name, one of the most historic wine families in Portugal, formerly the owners of Quinta do Noval. The other part was the quality of wine they were able to produce from their fantastic vineyards.

A lot has changed in the last few years at Vale D. Maria, including it being sold to the Guedes family of Aveleda. The company has built on the success of the Van Zeller family, while adding additional vineyards and new wines.

Vinhas do Sabor is a brand new wine from Vale D. Maria. A year prior to acquiring the winery from the Van Zeller's, Aveleda had purchased Quinta Vale do Sabor in Douro Superior. It is from that property that they make this wine. A classic blend of indigenous Portuguese varietals including Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alicante Bouschet, and Baga. The grapes are sorted, de-stemmed, and go into lagares to be foot-tread. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and the wine is aged in second and third-use French oak barrels for 18 months.

The 2020 is a beautiful wine. Notes of raspberry jam, blackberry, tea leaves and spice can be found on the nose. On the palate it is full-bodied, with brambly fruit, hints of cocoa and coffee and medium tannins. Enjoy this with a hearty beef stew, or grilled lamb chops. It is a terrific value!