Douro Meandro Tinto
2017
While Quinta do Vale Meão only began bottling under its own label in 1999, the estate has an incredible history. Vale Meão was one of the shrewd acquisitions of the celebrated Douro landowner Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. In 1877 she purchased 270 hectares of land near Vila Nova de Foz Côa in the Upper Douro, and over the course of the next decade established a model winery, planting all the vineyards from scratch. The Quinta remained in the family and is owned today by Francisco Javier...
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The winter of 2017 was extremely hot and dry. From November to March, precipitation values were very low when compared to the average. These values healthy phyto-sanitary conditions with an absence of diseases (mildew / powdery mildew), but the lack of rain brought less vegetative expansion than what would be desired, both in the development of foliage and in the development of the bunches. With such low values of water being recorded in the soils, plant development was limited, leading to an anticipation of about three weeks in the cycle. As the levels of sugars and acids soon approached the intended values, it became clear that is was necessary to anticipate the harvest. We started harvesting the white wines on August 16th with the Rabigato grape variety, and the red wine harvest began on the 17th with the entry of the Baga grape variety in the winery. This was followed by the Tinta Amarela and Tinta Roriz harvest (19 and 21, respectively). The first Touriga Nacional grapes entered the winery on August 24 and Touriga Franca on August 30. Having the harvest started earlier, it also ended a few days before the usual dates, with the last grapes being received on September 20th. Although the year was hot and dry, the plants resisted well to the extreme dryness recorded, keeping the foliage in good condition until the harvest. From the enologist point of view 2017 will be quite interesting allowing for wines with a very good structure, with a perfect balance of acidity, soft and harmonious wines, with a good potential for aging.
After crushing, the grapes are pressed for four hours in granite mills. The grape must is transferred to small, temperature controlled tanks. Each grape varietal is vinified separately. The wine is aged in second and third fill French oak barrels for 14 months.
Intense, floral aromas, red fruits and wild berries. Fresh and complex, the palate echoes the nose showing ripe red fruit and a prolonged finish.
This wine is named after the majestic oxbow bend taken by the Douro river around the Meão estate. It is richly structured and with no concessions to immediate softness. It needs to age to bring its black fruits into full harmony with the structure.
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The second wine of the great Vale Meão estate in the Douro Superior, this is impressive in itself. A lifted violet note permeates the rich berry fruit. It is a rich, concentrated wine that should age further.
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Named after the vast meander taken by the Douro river around the estate, this wine is structured with polished signs of wood aging. The second wine from the property, it shows plenty of ripe black fruits and good concentration.
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Nicely textured, with smooth tannins, this elegant, full-bodied red is packed with dark cherry, violet, red plum and anise notes that are harmonious and well-integrated. Details of mocha, wild herb and spice cascade onto the finish. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Alicante Bouschet.
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Vinous red and black fruits, with a touch of bake, but still fleshy and motile. With bergamot lift, bitter chocolate and dynamic tannins, it has good structure, drive and intensity.
Currants, blackberries, mulberries, olives and dried herbs on the nose. Some salty undertones. It’s medium-bodied with ripe, creamy tannins. Lovely soft texture. 50% touriga nacional, 35% touriga franca, 10% tinta roriz, 4% tinta barroca and 1% alicante bouschet. .
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This wine shows good finesse and density to the boysenberry and ripe currant notes, detailed with savory spice, licorice and violet accents. Red plum and mocha hints chime in on the velvety finish. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Alicante Bouschet.
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The 2020 Meandro do Vale Meão is a blend of 50% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinta Roriz and dollops of Tinta Barroca and Alicante Bouschet for the rest, all aged in used French oak for 14 months. It comes in at 14.2% alcohol. This was in bottle about a month when seen. In the tough vintage, this doesn't seem to miss a beat. It's fresh, understated, elegant and full of great fruit. It has ripe tannins for support and some ability to age too. Most of all, it's another nice bargain in this consistent brand.
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