Quinta do Vallado

Vinha da Coroa

Portugal, Douro

2022

Made from one of the lowest yielding vineyards in the world planted in 1958, Vallado Vinha da Coroa in the Douro's Baixo Corgo sub-region makes a star of tinta roriz, which accounts for half of the blend. Picked early to keep it fresh, it's all wild berries, rosemary and pine, making it an ideal match for braised lamb.

Vinha da Coroa originates from one of Quinta do Vallado's emblematic old-vine parcels, planted on the estate's dramatic slopes near Régua. As one of the Douro's longest-running family estates, Vallado has preserved numerous mixed-variety vineyards that date back generations.

Vinha da Coroa is a field blend of traditional red varieties – including touriga nacional, tinta roriz and tinta amarela – co-fermented to capture the natural harmony of the site. The 2022 vintage was vinified in small stainless-steel tanks, followed by ageing in French oak to refine tannins and add subtle spice.

Vallado's philosophy centres on expressing the character of individual parcels, especially those with deep-rooted vines that produce low yields and remarkable concentration. Vinha da Coroa reflects this approach with a wine that is both generous and structured, offering a pure interpretation of heritage Douro vineyards.

Tasting
NOTES

Like walking through a forest, this deep purple wine is filled with wild berry and herbal aromas: blackberries, raspberries, and plums mingle with tarragon, rosemary, clove and black pepper. The nose is clean and bright, and full of sweet baking spices like nutmeg and star anise, and forest floor aromas of pine and earth. On the palate the wine is well structured with firm but polished and well-integrated tannins and a warm, peppery finish.

Food
PAIRINGS

To complement this Portuguese red's black fruit and herbal flavours try Korean-style braised lamb with teriyaki sauce, or barbecued pork belly with roasted onions.