Quinta do Vale Meao Tinto

In the glass

Aroma: pressed violet, black currant, bramble berry, graphite, crushed granite

Palate: black fruit, blueberry, firm polished tannin

One of Portugal's most sought-after dry reds, from the historic Douro Superior estate where Barca Velha was born: powerful yet refined, with cedar, graphite and a long structured finish.

What it pairs with

• Roast lamb Find roast lamb on TableJourney →
  Structure and herbs frame the lamb.
• Grilled beef Find grilled beef on TableJourney →
  Firm tannins carry red meat.
• Aged cheese
  Concentration for strong cheese.

History

After the Ferreira-linked family regained the Vale Meao estate, Francisco Olazabal launched the eponymous wine in 1999; the estate was the original home of Barca Velha.

1. 1877 — Estate created by Dona Antonia Ferreira
2. 1999 — First Quinta do Vale Meao Tinto under family label

Facts

Producer

Quinta do Vale Meao

Grapes

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao

Classification

DOC Douro

Oak

Aged around 18 months in French oak, part new

ABV

14.5%

Price

EUR 90 to 160 at retail

Drinking window

8 to 30 from vintage

First vintage

1999

Scores

• Wine Advocate 96 (2017 vintage, reviewed 2020)
• Wine Spectator 95 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2018)

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